The cooked seafood production in capture fisheries in Belgium has experienced substantial fluctuations over the years. Between 2013 and 2023, the actual production numbers have shown significant volatility. For instance, from 2014 to 2015, production dropped sharply by 37.41%, only to bounce back by 42.05% in 2016. A notable peak occurred in 2018, with a 42.03% increase, reaching 802.9 metric tons. However, the industry faced a steep decline again in 2019 and 2020 with reductions of 35.65% and 39.07%, respectively. The trend turned positive with a substantial 140.17% increase in 2022 followed by a 34.09% decrease in 2023, where the production stood at 590.3 metric tons.
Looking ahead, from 2024 onward, forecasted data indicates a gradual but steady growth in cooked seafood production. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is projected to be 1.2%, with an overall forecasted growth rate of 6.15% by 2028, implying a more stable upward trend compared to the last decade of erratic fluctuations.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Technological advancements in capture fisheries that could potentially increase efficiency and output.
- Environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives impacting capture methods and quotas.
- Market demand shifts influenced by consumer preferences for sustainable and locally-sourced seafood.
- Economic factors such as trade policies, tariffs, and economic health influencing production capabilities and seafood export markets.
- The impact of climate change on marine ecosystems which could affect the availability and types of seafood captured.
