Rainbow trout still most popular fish for consumption and of restocking

Rainbow trout continues to account for the largest share of fish production for consumption, at 8 500 tonnes, which corresponds to 87 percent of the total production of fish for consumption. Since last year the production of rainbow trout has decreased with almost 400 tonnes. Other common fish species include char and eel.

The total production of fish and crayfish for restocking is estimated to almost 1 190 tonnes, which is a large increase since the year before. Here, too, rainbow trout was the most common species; production of rainbow trout for restocking was estimated at about 490 tonnes.

Large increase in number of people employed in aquaculture

The number of people employed in aquaculture is estimated at 523. Among these, 79 percent are men and 21 percent are women. The statistics also show that the largest share of people was between 40-64 years old, 252 people was in that age of group.

We also see that most of the people work at farms that use cage farming: 231 people, which is about 45 per cent all people employed in aquaculture.

Operating costs decreased

The operating costs of aquaculture are estimated at SEK 430 millions, which is a decrease of 10 percent compared with 2022. Operating costs include costs of power, repair and maintenance, feed purchases and living microorganisms, as well as other operating costs. The largest cost item is the purchase of feed: SEK 237 million, equivalent to 55 percent of total operating costs.

Previous publications

Official statistics on aquaculture have been produced yearly since 1983. The reference year 2023 is the fourth year which data on social and economic conditions formed part of the official statistics. The results are presented in the Swedish Board of Agriculture database and in statistical reports. These statistics on aquaculture are based on data from a questionnaire sent to all aquaculture enterprises in Sweden.