Tag Europe

Pathogenic noroviruses have been identified in shellfish from various countries in Europe. The major cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in humans, norovirus infection is transmitted three main ways, led by consumption of shellfish. 

Epidemiological studies have estimated that noroviruses are responsible for 60 percent to 80 percent of all foodborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis worldwide. Consumption of shellfish is one of three main transmission routes of norovirus infection. 

After rapid expansion of glass eel culture in the mid-1990s was followed by overproduction, pricing problems, glass eel shortages and NGO pressures, European Union countries adopted national management plans for the eels. Importation of consumption eels was stopped, and exportation was phased out. 

Salmon production has long been dominated by Norway, while the United States, Canada and United Kingdom have experienced slow expansion in recent years, and Chile saw a fall and rebound in volume. Norwegian product leads fresh salmon imports in European markets, but increases in price can shift sourcing to Ireland and the U.K. 

Throughout Europe, debate is taking place as to whether new fish farms, wind farms, tourist facilities or marine and/or coastal protected areas should be established. Competition for space is increasing. In the COEXIST project, partners from 10 European countries are exploring these developments, aiming to increase synergies and reduce conflicts, particularly with regard to the fields of aquaculture and fisheries. 

Early efforts at sole culture in Europe were hampered by several technological and disease problems. Improvements in recirculation technology and advances in feed technology have renewed interest in the species.