The production of whole fresh European smelt in capture fisheries in France has been forecasted to decline steadily from 24.8 metric tons in 2024 to 21 metric tons by 2028. As of 2023, the production stood at 25.6 metric tons, establishing ongoing declines in smelt yield. Year-on-year analysis reveals decreasing rates: 3.63% from 2024 to 2025, 4.18% from 2025 to 2026, 3.93% from 2026 to 2027, and finally 4.55% from 2027 to 2028. The overall compound annual growth rate (CAGR) suggests a 3.43% average annual decrease over the five-year period.
Future trends to watch for:
- Potential impact of environmental policies and climate change on capture fisheries.
- Technological advancements in fishing methods which could mitigate the decline in production.
- Changes in consumer demand for European smelt due to shifting dietary preferences and sustainability concerns.
- Regulatory changes in the fishing industry that could influence production levels.
