The availability and supply of several key whitefish fisheries, particularly in the northern hemisphere, are set to shrink in the coming years, placing even further strain on the EU's dependence on imports, said Espersen Procurement Director Simon Rilatt speaking at the recent AIPCE-CEP Trade Symposium.

The EU has long been "significantly deficient" in its needs for fish and seafood. Imports make up the vast majority of the fish consumed and are essential for a viable processing industry.

The Finfish Study 2021 published by AIPCE-CEP, which represents the EU fish processing sector, estimates the EU is 85 percent dependent on imports for consumption.