The winter holidays are just around the corner… and seafood professionals are very busy! Did you know that many people across Europe eat seafood, with shellfish being one of the most popular choices? [1] Interestingly, more than half of the world’s fish and other aquatic food consumed by humans now comes from aquaculture. In fact, fish and shellfish farming has been the fastest-growing food production sector globally in recent decades [2]. Shellfish are not only a tasty treat but also an important part of marine ecosystems in the European Union (EU).
This week’s map highlights the locations of shellfish farms, which are typically highly specialised in the production of one species. Shellfish are fascinating animals that dwell in water and have a shell or shell-like exterior. The major categories of shellfish farming include mussels, oysters, clams, cockles, and scallops. An important characteristic of shellfish is their ability to filter plankton from the water, effectively improving water quality by clearing excess microscopic green plants [3]. Sustainable shellfish farming plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our seas. Click on the icons on the map to learn more about shellfish farms in your local area!
Are you a teacher looking for an educational resource related to shellfish? Explore the map-based exercise available in the Atlas Teacher’s Corner and engage your students with fun, educational content. You can encourage students to explore the locations of shellfish farms across Europe, discuss shellfish farming and how it contributes to the economy and traditions of coastal regions. For additional inspiration, watch this episode of OCEAN by Euronews on ‘Blue opportunities in the Black Sea’. It highlights sustainable mussel farming in this area, showcasing EU-supported initiatives in Bulgaria and Romania that promote blue economy innovation.
Wish to go further?
- Discover the European Union’s ‘New strategic vision for sustainable aquaculture production and consumption’, a roadmap for a greener future in aquaculture;
- Find sustainable seafood with Mr.Goodfish, a platform by Nausicaà that champions responsibly sourced fish and shellfish, supporting a healthier ocean and a better future;
- During the holidays, create your own maps with family and friends using the Atlas! Need inspiration? Check out the outcome of last week’s Atlas workshop for helpful tips, creative ideas, and guidance on mapping your favorite places or topics. Have a look at the article now ! The Atlas team has created a special map with the ‘My Locations’ tool! Try it too! Can you also make a Christmas tree or other festive drawings? Let us know!
The Map of the Week will be on a winter break in the coming three weeks. We will be back with new ocean and seas updates on 10 January 2025.
We wish you happy and safe holidays!
The data in the map are provided by EMODnet.
[1] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/c2f39f4a-29a2-11ed-975d-01aa75ed71a1
[2] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/e8bd0eb1-093a-11ec-b5d3-01aa75ed71a1
[3] https://aquaculture.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2024-09/Infographic_5_shellfish_v3.pdf