Romania’s Aquaculture Potential and Challenges

Romania has over 100,000 hectares of water surface suitable for aquaculture, yet fish production remains modest, at around 12,500 tons in 2024, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS). This figure represents less than half of the real potential estimated by experts.

The main issues faced by traditional fish farms are outdated infrastructure, lack of investment in modern systems, and limited access to financing. Only 9% of these farms accessed European funds during 2021–2024, mostly through the Operational Programme for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs (POPAM).

The average selling price for fresh fish ranges between 18 and 28 RON/kg, depending on the species, but high production costs limit the competitiveness of Romanian farms compared to cheaper imports.

To unlock the sector’s potential, experts recommend investments in recirculating systems, digitalization, and diversification of sales channels, including partnerships with retailers and promoting local fish as a healthy and sustainable alternative.

(Photo: Freepik)