Galicia seafood faces scarcity and rising prices amid high summer demand

The Galician seafood sector is facing significant challenges during a high-tourism summer season due to rising prices and scarcity. Local vendors and restaurateurs report that prices for bivalves like clams and cockles have increased by up to 20%. In some markets, high-quality clams have risen from 30 euros to 45 euros per kilo. Due to the shortage of local supply—with some shellfish varieties in markets being less than 5% native to the region—vendors are increasingly relying on imports from Portugal and Scotland.

This scarcity follows a harsh winter of storms that caused historic mortality rates in local shellfish populations. As a result, the abundance once associated with Galician seafood is diminishing. In response to these market shifts, retailers like Aldi have introduced budget-friendly options, such as pre-cooked mussels sold for under 3 euros, offering a low-cost alternative to expensive seafood dining.