This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of aquaculture in the European Union and United Kingdom spanning from 1950 to 2020 , focusing exclusively on salmonoids. Leveraging data from FAO databases, the analysis encompasses all the farmed species in 27 countries, including both European Union members and the United Kingdom. Through rigorous univariate and multivariate statistical techniques , including regression models, heatmaps, and Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS), key production trends, cultivated species, country-wise outputs, and economic impacts are investigated . The findings reveal significant growth, culminating in a peak production of about 400,000 tons in 2001. Subsequently, over the successive 20 years, production has entered a stationary phase.
The dominance of Atlantic salmon and rainbow is underscored, with production volumes revealing a concentration on these commercially viable species. Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout account in average for 98% of total annual production. Minor species productions are negligible. Notably, there is a discernible move from rainbow trout to Atlantic salmon which is gaining prominence. Visualization of specie succession with heatmaps aid in understanding production patterns . Economic analysis further emphasizes the profitability of intensive aquaculture species, particularly Atlantic salmon, while also shedding light on regional disparities in production and economic contributions. Western European countries, notably UK, emerge as major producers .
Overall, this analysis provides valuable insights into the dynamics of European aquaculture, focusing specifically on commercial salmonoids, and highlights key species, production trends, economic drivers, and the role of diversity in fostering resilience and growth.