The finfish mariculture industry comprises approx. 490 production units operating in about 11 countries of the Mediterranean basin. This new aquaculture industry followed an amazing development over the last ten years and the present (1994) level of production (29,000 t) is forecast to reach 40,000 tons by 1996. At the forefront of these impressive developments is Greece with a market share of 42 per cent. The market prospects, at least in the short-term, are definitely better in Southern European States (Greece, Italy, France and Spain). Demand in the North is presently limited to specific ethnic groups, mainly because Mediterranean species are not known to the average consumer. Since the market is becoming more and more competitive, the consumers and the trade customers more demanding in terms of product quality, consistency and reliability of supplies, future growth will be reached through more sophisticated methods of marketing. During the last 3-5 years we are watching the invasion of the supermarkets in the fresh fish trade. They are increasing year after year their market share all across Europe, while the traditional channels (mainly fish mongers) are losing the pace. Those powerful supermarket chains will squeeze Mediterranean aquaculture producers for lower prices.