12,1 kg of fish and seafood were consumed per capita in Germany last year, according to preliminary data from the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) in its current Fish Supply Balance 2024 [1]. Fish is particularly popular in Germany at Easter and is traditionally on the menu for many people on Good Friday. But what many don't know is that, mathematically, domestic fish resources are already depleted by this time, and the country is completely dependent on imports. This year, this deadline falls on March 15th.
Given growing import dependency, complex supply chains, and global challenges in fisheries and aquaculture, it is becoming increasingly important for consumers to seek out sustainably certified, traceable products. Laws, regulations, and controls are currently insufficient to halt overfishing and the impact of aquaculture . Only through conscious consumption can we secure the future of our oceans, rivers, and lakes, as well as our fish stocks. The MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), both globally recognized and scientifically based certification programs, serve as important guidance in this regard.
According to the current, preliminary supply balance, a total of around 2024 million tons of fish were consumed in Germany in 1. However, only around 20 percent of the fishery products consumed came from domestic production, while an impressive 80 percent were imported. Total domestic production in 2024 amounted to 207.100 tons. A large portion of this came from fishery landings abroad (154.400 tons). Domestic inland fisheries and aquaculture together produced 37.100 tons, while coastal fisheries recorded a significant decline of 15.600 percent compared to the previous year, with only 34 tons [1]. "The majority of the fish on our plates does not come from our own marine regions, but from other regions, and we therefore bear responsibility for the consequences there as well," says Gerlinde Geltinger, spokesperson for the MSC Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Around 38 percent of global fish stocks are overfished. Problems such as bycatch, illegal fishing, and seabed destruction threaten marine ecosystems. Aquaculture also presents challenges, including water pollution and negative impacts on biodiversity.
The MSC label identifies fish products from certified sustainable fisheries, while the ASC label stands for products from responsible fish farming. Both programs ensure strict controls along the entire supply chain and offer consumers reliable guidance for sustainable fish consumption and a sustainable Easter.
[1] BLE preliminary supply balance fish 2024 BLE – BMEL statistics: fish
Background information on Fisheries Exhaustion Day
Fish Depletion Day is intended to raise awareness of the responsible use of fish resources. The date for 2025 is based on preliminary figures from the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food for 2024.
About the MSC
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization that works worldwide to conserve fish stocks. Through its certification program, the MSC enables the protection and sustainable use of the valuable resource of fish.
About the ASC
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is an international non-profit organization that promotes responsible aquaculture worldwide.
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