Shifting tides: How supply constraints in wild seafood are reshaping Dutch consumption

Seafood consumption in the Netherlands is gradually declining as a result of tightening supply, rising prices, and shifting consumer preferences, after peaking during the pandemic. Traditional wild-caught species such as cod, plaice, and herring, face increasing constraints from quotas, sustainability concerns, and limited convenience offerings, making them less attractive in a retail environment dominated by ease and affordability. In contrast, aquaculture products – led decisively by salmon – have grown strongly, supported by stable supply, a strong health image, and extensive product innovation aligned with modern lifestyles and foodservice trends. As a result, the Dutch market is undergoing a fundamental transition: from a fragmented, tradition-driven seafood culture to one increasingly shaped by retail dynamics, convenience, and farmed species. Future consumption growth will depend on whether aquaculture can offset the continued decline in wild-caught fish consumption.