Fresh shellfish production in Belgian capture fisheries has demonstrated variable year-on-year fluctuations over the past decade. Production values have shown noticeable oscillations, peaking notably in 2022 before a sharp decrease in 2023. Specifically, production volumes increased from 1.36 thousand metric tons in 2013, experiencing substantial growth spurts in certain years, such as a 68.95% rise in 2022, and declines like the -27.18% drop in 2023. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), indicating average annual growth over five years, was 4.04% in 2023.
Looking ahead, forecasts suggest modest growth with a forecasted 5-year CAGR of 0.58% and a cumulative growth rate of 2.95% by 2028. Hence, while the recent sharp fluctuations are expected to stabilize, future production increments will be modest.
Future trends to watch for:
- Market demand influenced by consumer preferences and dietary trends.
- Environmental regulations impacting capture fisheries.
- Advancements in sustainable fishing technologies.
- Potential climate change impacts on shellfish habitats and production.
