Europe’s seas, rivers and coastal zones host some of the most biologically remarkable species on the planet. From filter-feeding mussels that naturally improve water quality, to flatfish that vanish into the seafloor, to migratory salmon capable of navigating thousands of kilometres with precision, European seafood reflects an extraordinary range of ecological strategies and life histories. Crayfish that regenerate lost claws, octopus with three hearts and sophisticated neural systems — each species carries unique adaptations shaped by the ecosystems it inhabits.
This biological richness is more than a curiosity. It is the foundation of Europe’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, the diversity of seafood available to consumers, and the cultural identity of coastal communities. But it also highlights a structural challenge: seafood sustainability is complex, multidimensional and often poorly understood by the public.
Seafood as a Sustainable Food Source – When Managed Well
As global food demand increases, sustainably managed fisheries and responsible aquaculture offer some of the lowest-impact sources of high-quality protein. Compared to many terrestrial animal proteins, seafood often requires less land, less freshwater and can have a lower carbon footprint. Many species — particularly small pelagics, molluscs and certain farmed species — can be among the most resource-efficient foods available.
But this potential is only realised when production respects biological limits, safeguards ecosystems and ensures fair socio-economic conditions for fishing communities. And today, the average consumer has no reliable way to see the sustainability “behind” the seafood on their plate. Labels tell only part of the story. Fish species vary widely. Production methods vary even more.
This information gap is one of the reasons seafood consumption in Europe remains lower than meat, even though many seafood products are healthier and often more sustainable.
Why Understanding Biodiversity Helps Consumers Make Better Choices
Biodiversity is not an abstract concept. It determines how species grow, reproduce, feed, migrate, and respond to pressure. Knowing the difference between a fast-growing pelagic species and a slow-maturing predator is directly relevant to sustainability. Knowing whether a species is caught locally or imported from a distant ocean matters for climate footprint and traceability. Knowing which species contribute to healthy ecosystems influences long-term food security.
When consumers understand why species differ — biologically and ecologically — they can start to appreciate what responsible consumption means: not just choosing seafood, but choosing the right seafood, at the right time, from the right places.
How VeriFish Supports Sustainable Seafood Choices
This is exactly the gap VeriFish is addressing.
Funded under Horizon Europe and Mission Ocean and Waters, VeriFish is developing the first integrated framework that brings environmental, socio-economic and nutritional indicators together in a single, transparent system. By combining trusted datasets (GRSF, FAO, FishBase, EuroFIR and more), the VeriFish approach will allow consumers, producers and retailers to quickly understand:
- the environmental pressures and impacts associated with a specific fishery or aquaculture system
- the socio-economic conditions across the value chain
- the nutritional benefits of the species
- key biological and ecological traits of the fish itself
This information will be delivered through the VeriFish web application, now in testing, and through a suite of public-facing materials — factsheets, educational products, guidelines and media campaigns.
The goal is simple: make sustainable seafood easy to understand and easy to choose.
Promoting Higher, Smarter Seafood Consumption
Europe needs to increase seafood consumption — not indiscriminately, but strategically. Choosing species with strong sustainability profiles, supporting local fisheries, and shifting diets toward lower-impact seafood can strengthen food security while reducing pressure on terrestrial food systems.
But change will only happen if consumers are equipped with accessible, trustworthy information.
VeriFish is working to close that gap.
