The decline in fish production in Romania is not the result of a single factor, but rather of an accumulation of structural dysfunctions that have manifested themselves over the long term. Data from Eurostat, the FAO, and European Commission reports are pointing to a rather prolonged stagnation, combined with a loss of relative competitiveness compared to other countries.
Outdated production model
The first factor is the outdated production model. The sector is dominated by extensive pond aquaculture, which has low productivity, is dependent on natural conditions, and is difficult to control. Unlike countries that have switched to intensive or recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), Romania has seen a slow pace of modernization. The share of intensive systems remains limited, which reduces yields and the capacity for consistent supply.
Fragmentation of farms
The second factor is the fragmentation of farms and the lack of economic integration. Most fish farms operate in isolation, without effective links to processing and distribution. This structure makes it difficult to standardize production and gain access to modern retail, where continuity and volume are essential.
Difficult access to financing
A third factor is limited access to financing and the uneven implementation of European funds. Although Romania has benefited from dedicated programmes, the absorption rate and the impact of investments in modernization have fallen short of potential. Projects have often been small and without systemic effects on productivity.
Red tape
Administrative and regulatory issues are also a factor. The aquaculture sector involves multiple authorities, and procedures which are frequently perceived as slow and unpredictable. This situation can discourage investments and limit the development of modern farms.
Slow but sure decline
In economic terms, this is not a sudden collapse, but rather a gradual loss of ground in a global sector that is expanding. While global production is growing rapidly through aquaculture, Romania remains stuck in a traditional model.
From the past till present day
In the 1960s, aquaculture fish production stood at 13,700 tons, but by 2023 it had fallen to 11,200 tons. During the communist era and even in the early 1990s, Romania produced over 50,000 tons of aquaculture fish, but over the past three decades, the sector has declined. Production fell to 8,000 tons in 2014, temporarily rebounded to about 13,000 tons in 2015–2016, and subsequently dropped again to 11,200 tons in 2023.
Fishing followed a similar trajectory. While Romania’s production stood at approximately 24,300 tons in 1960, in the late 1990s catches exceeded 200,000 tons and by 2023 it had dropped to just 6,613 tons. Part of the fleet was sold or decommissioned, new rules were introduced, legislation changed, and the industry became increasingly unattractive.
The result: massive imports
Against the backdrop of this decline, Romania currently imports over 100,000 tons of fish and fish products -ten times more than it exports - and domestic production covers only 13% of consumption. Data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) show that, in recent years, Romanians’ total fish consumption has remained relatively constant, at 6.4-6.5 kilograms per capita per year, equivalent to approximately 122,000 tons annually.