Abstract

Abstract Fish and other aquatic foods are a key part of our global food systems and a highly nutritious food group of major social, cultural and economic significance. Like meat processors and farmers, the seafood sector is feeling the COVID-19 effect. Fishing fleets are tied up and fish farmers are facing an ever-increasing biomass in their cages, ponds, and tanks. Transport links all over the world have been severed, restaurants have closed, and supermarkets have either abandoned or reduced their fresh seafood offerings. Disruptions in supply chains for fish and aquatic foods are already happening due to disruptions in transportation, trade, and labor. Falling production from reduced fishing efforts and delayed stocking of aquaculture systems will lead to lower supplies, access, and consumption of these foods. Decreased consumer demand and increased transaction costs will have a knock-on effect that will push the price of fish and aquatic foods up and make them less affordable for poor consumers. Many people employed in these supply chains, such as fish vendors, processors, suppliers or transport workers will lose their jobs. Demand for packaged and frozen products has spiked as households look to stock up on non-perishable food at the expense of fresh seafood options. Other consequences of the virus outbreak include the cancellation of key seafood trade events across the world and a delay in aquaculture harvests due to labour shortages. In general, the effects of COVID-19 on the seafood market are as follows: A drop in fish seafood demand amid restaurants' closures, A rise in salmon exports to Europe, US but logistic costs up, Cod sales drop, while there is a shift from fresh to frozen fish on several markets, Sales of packaged food rise across Europe, as COVID-19 cases rise, disruptions in supply chains for fish and aquatic foods due to disruptions in transportation, trade, and labor.

Keywords: Fish, COVID-19, Consumer, Packaged food, Seafood market