This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 5 2025.
Portugal is a country that is traditionally associated with high capture seafood consumption, but the popularity of farmed fish and seafood is increasing. The combination of an extensive Atlantic coastline, favourable climatic -conditions, and rich marine biodiversity provides strong foundations for growth of the aquaculture sector.
Shellfish farming has deep roots in Portugal and continues to thrive in the present day. The Algarve’s Ria Formosa is a hub for clam farming, particularly for the grooved carpet shell clam, which remains a key product for both national and international markets and represented more than half the aquaculture production value in 2023. Mainly produced in small farms in intertidal zones and estuaries, typically less than 1 hectare in size, production volume reached 5,900 tons in 2023, valued at €115 million. This represented 26% and 53% of the total volume and value produced, respectively. Mussel farming, a traditional practice in coastal and transitional waters, is another area of strength. Portugal produced around 3,300 tonnes in 2023, and the sector has been boosted by certified organic production and a strong export orientation. Oysters, especially from the regions of Aveiro, Setúbal, and the Algarve, have similarly become increasingly sought-after, particularly in gourmet markets and among French buyers.
Fish farmed in both marine and freshwater
Regarding the production of marine fish, the most significant species cultivated is gilthead seabream, with production volumes reaching 4,100 tons in 2023, an increase of 22% since 2022. At the same time, Portugal is also a major producer of flatfish, where production of turbot and sole respectively reached 3,200 and 700 tons in 2023, generating a production volume of €46 million. The third major marine fish-species produced is European seabass. Production reached 1,700 tons in 2023, marking a 15% increase since 2022. Historically, freshwater species were the first to be farmed commercially, and they remain relevant to domestic supply despite representing only 0.5% of the total production value today. The most significant of these species is rainbow trout. It is farmed on a small scale, and production has fluctuated over the years due to drought. Production levels are down 67% since 2020.
Production techniques reflect a mix of traditional practices and -innovative technologies. Floating cages are commonly used for species such as seabream and seabass. Bottom culture methods are widely applied to shellfish farming, such as clams and oysters, and are valued for their environmental friendliness and reliance on natural processes. More advanced approaches include Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), which allow species like flatfish to be raised in controlled environments with minimal water use, and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), where fish, shellfish, and algae are cultivated together to promote resource efficiency and reduce negative ecological impacts.
Taken as a whole, the industry consists of 731 enterprises in 2022, 93% of which employed only five or fewer people. Overall employment reached 2,014 people, but in full-time equivalents only 1,511, reflecting the widespread use of seasonal and part-time work. Shellfish aquaculture was the largest employer, followed by marine -aquaculture, with freshwater farming employing very few workers. In 2023 extensive production methods represented 58.5% of production, while semi-intensive methods -represented 10% and intensive methods represented 31.5%. In total, aquaculture production has increased by 19% between 2022 and 2023, with an increase of production value of around 40% from €154 million to €214 million. While Portugal only ranks 11th out of all EU countries in production volume, it has climbed to fifth place in terms of production value.
Environmental and market challenges hinder development
Despite its growing importance, Portuguese aquaculture faces a range of significant challenges. Environmental concerns remain at the forefront, where the expansion of aquaculture risks increasing the pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems, particularly when farms compete for space with tourism, fishing, and conservation interests. Poorly managed expansion can result in spatial conflicts and environmental degradation, underscoring the need for strict site selection processes and sustainable operational models.
Market competition poses another major challenge. Portugal competes in a global seafood market dominated by large-scale producers, especially from countries with lower production costs. To remain competitive, Portuguese producers must continue to focus on quality, sustainability and innovation. They need to stand out by using certified production methods and strong branding that emphasizes both tradition and environmental responsibility. Domestic consumers, who have one of the highest per capita consumptions of fish in the world, are increasingly conscious of food origin and sustainability. However, competing on price alone remains difficult in international markets. The Strategic Plan for -Portuguese Aquaculture 2021-2030 aims to address the need for further sustainability efforts and a trusted certification process, as well as the internationalization of the Portuguese aquaculture industry. Among other efforts, the plan pursues initiatives that combat the pressures and new uncertainties for marine ecosystems introduced by climate change. Rising sea temperatures can affect fish growth rates and ocean acidification can threaten shellfish production. Altered salinity levels and the spread of new pathogens further threaten marine species and could undermine the resilience of aquaculture systems. These -environmental shifts could particularly threaten the yields and long-term viability of -shellfish farmers, who produce the bulk of Portuguese aquaculture -value. The sector will need to invest in adaptive strategies, such as selective -breeding for climate-resilient species and new technologies to mitigate environmental -variability. Spatial planning must also incorporate the changing oceanographic, physiochemical, -geochemical and biological conditions of -Portuguese coastal waters to select the best sites for different aquaculture operations.
Several factors favour aquaculture development
Despite the challenges presented, many of which are not unique to Portugal but rather occur globally in aquaculture, the outlook for Portuguese aquaculture is positive overall. Offshore aquaculture offers one of the most promising new areas for expansion, with projects such as a planned large-scale offshore fish farm in the Algarve region sparking excitement. Other new technologies, such as -submerged cages and -floating platforms capable of withstanding harsh open-sea conditions, will be critical to realize this potential. -Successful offshore expansion could help -Portugal scale up production sustainably, while also reducing conflicts with coastal tourism and conservation areas. Technological innovation will present a key driver of future growth. Automated feeding systems, real-time water quality monitoring, and digital farm management platforms are transforming the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture operations. Genetic research and selective breeding programs promise to improve growth rates and disease resistance, while advances in feed formulations, particularly those reducing reliance on fishmeal and animal-based ingredients, align production with sustainability goals. The adoption of these innovations will not only improve yields but also strengthen Portugal’s reputation as a producer of high-quality, environmentally responsible seafood.
Clams form an important component of Portuguese aquaculture production
accounting for half its total value in 2023.
Sustainability will remain a -defining feature of the industry’s development. Consumer demand for certified, traceable products is growing, especially in European markets. Organic -aquaculture and IMTA systems, which demonstrate clear environmental -advantages, are examples that are well positioned to meet these expectations. Certification schemes such as ASC and MSC also provide competitive -advantages, particularly in export markets where regulatory and consumer scrutiny is high. By emphasizing sustainability, Portugal can leverage its natural resources responsibly while -appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Close collaboration between industry and research establishment
Research and development are going to be vital in addressing the sector’s long-term challenges. Universities and research institutions, often working in collaboration with industry, are already exploring innovative solutions to disease management, feed efficiency, optimal special planning and environmental sustainability. Expanding these collaborations will be essential in maintaining competitiveness and resilience. Market opportunities are also expanding, as global demand for seafood continues to rise and as Europe remains a key destination for Portuguese exports. -Direct-to-consumer sales, including online distribution models, are reshaping the marketplace. These models allow smaller producers to access new customers while retaining a larger share of profits. High-end markets, particularly restaurants and gourmet retailers, are also showing strong interest in Portuguese aquaculture products, from seabream and seabass to oysters and mussels. Portugal can establish itself as a producer of premium, sustainable farmed seafood with the help of strategic branding, targeted marketing and the promotion of climate-conscious practices. In the process, it may even become a European leader in sustainable aquaculture.
Justus M. Dohmen, Eurofish,
justus@eurofish.dk