The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has had mostly negative effects on fisheries and aquaculture segments throughout the EU, but there have been some positive effects, too. On one hand, the closure of fresh fish markets as consequence of the closure of the hotels, restaurants and catering sector has had a negative impact on demersal fisheries and some aquaculture production systems. On the other hand, there was an increase in demand for canned and frozen fish, which was also accompanied by lower fuel costs. This meant that large, pelagic fisheries were only negatively affected in terms of travel restrictions.

AgriFood contributed with information about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on fishing and aquaculture in Sweden and Finland. The report is based on information from all EU countries and was prepared for the European Commission