GITNUXREPORT 2025

Aquaculture Industry Statistics

Global aquaculture production surpassed 87.5 million tonnes in 2022, fueling industry growth.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Salmon aquaculture is the most valuable segment, representing approximately 30% of global aquaculture value

Statistic 2

The value of global aquaculture production was about $250 billion in 2022

Statistic 3

The growth of aquaponics integrates aquaculture with hydroponics and is valued at over $500 million globally, with expected annual growth of 8-10%

Statistic 4

US aquaculture production contributed over $1.5 billion to the economy in 2022, with the industry growing annually at around 4%

Statistic 5

The top exports of aquaculture products include salmon, shrimp, tilapia, and pangasius, with export revenues surpassing $20 billion globally

Statistic 6

The global market for aquaculture feed is valued at over $36 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4% through 2027

Statistic 7

Public-private partnerships are increasingly common in aquaculture development, fostering innovation and infrastructure investment, with over 150 active collaborations globally

Statistic 8

The global fish processing and packaging market related to aquaculture products is valued at over $30 billion, with steady growth driven by increasing consumption

Statistic 9

Transition to digital markets and e-commerce platforms has expanded access for small-scale aquaculture producers, increasing their market share by approximately 25% in the last five years

Statistic 10

Environmental impacts of aquaculture include habitat modification, water pollution, and disease transfer, with ongoing research into sustainable practices

Statistic 11

Approximately 19% of global fish stocks are overfished, leading to a focus on sustainable aquaculture solutions

Statistic 12

Aquaculture has reduced pressure on wild fish stocks by providing an alternative source of seafood, contributing significantly to conservation efforts

Statistic 13

The use of genetically improved or genetically modified fish in aquaculture is rising but remains controversial, with regulatory debates ongoing

Statistic 14

The majority of aquaculture farms are located in coastal areas, with extensive land-based systems accounting for approximately 25% of production

Statistic 15

The water footprint of farmed seafood is generally lower than land-based protein sources like beef or chicken, contributing to its sustainability profile

Statistic 16

Fishmeal and fish oil, key ingredients in feed, are sourced increasingly from alternative sources like plant proteins and insect meal, reducing pressure on wild fish stocks

Statistic 17

The adoption of biofloc technology in shrimp farming can improve yields by up to 40% and reduces water usage

Statistic 18

Antibiotic use in aquaculture is decreasing due to stricter regulations, with some countries reporting reductions of up to 50% since 2010

Statistic 19

Global aquaculture financing increased significantly in 2022, with investments reaching over $4 billion worldwide

Statistic 20

The adoption of environmentally sustainable aquaculture practices, such as integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), is on the rise globally, with many farms adopting these methods to reduce environmental impacts

Statistic 21

The mortality rate in aquaculture farms has been reduced to approximately 10% through improved management and technology, compared to over 20% a decade ago

Statistic 22

The growth of eco-labeling and certification schemes like ASC and MSC has increased consumer confidence, with over 50% of seafood now certified

Statistic 23

Climate change impacts, such as rising sea temperatures and acidification, threaten around 15% of global aquaculture production zones, prompting increased research into resilience

Statistic 24

The adoption of closed containment systems can reduce environmental impacts and improve biosecurity, growing at a CAGR of about 7% through 2030

Statistic 25

Many countries are implementing policies to ban or restrict the use of antibiotics in aquaculture, aiming to promote sustainable practices, with some regions reporting reductions of over 60%

Statistic 26

The development of multi-trophic aquaculture systems enables farms to utilize waste from one species as input for another, increasing overall sustainability

Statistic 27

Aquaculture water use efficiency has improved significantly, with newer systems achieving over 80% water reuse, reducing freshwater dependency

Statistic 28

The use of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) is increasing and is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 12% by 2030

Statistic 29

The global market for aquaculture equipment and technology is valued at over $3 billion and is expected to grow

Statistic 30

There is an increasing trend in organic and eco-label certified aquaculture products, with a growth rate of approximately 10% annually

Statistic 31

The use of probiotics in aquaculture can enhance growth rates and disease resistance, with markets growing at around 8% annually

Statistic 32

The shift toward plant-based and alternative protein feeds is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% through 2026, impacting aquaculture feed formulations

Statistic 33

The share of organic aquaculture products is growing and accounts for roughly 10% of global farmed seafood exports, with potential to increase further

Statistic 34

The global aquaculture production reached approximately 87.5 million tonnes in 2022

Statistic 35

Aquaculture now supplies over 50% of all fish consumed worldwide

Statistic 36

Aquaculture's contribution to global fish production increased by 5% from 2021 to 2022

Statistic 37

China accounts for approximately 60% of the world's aquaculture production

Statistic 38

The top farmed species include carp, tilapia, salmon, and shrimp

Statistic 39

Asia-Pacific region produces around 90% of the world's farmed fish

Statistic 40

The annual growth rate of aquaculture production has been approximately 5% over the past decade

Statistic 41

Shrimp farming accounts for about 15% of global aquaculture production

Statistic 42

The global consumption of farmed fish per capita is about 20 kg/year

Statistic 43

Africa's aquaculture sector grew by around 8% annually from 2010 to 2020

Statistic 44

The average global aquaculture yield is approximately 4.5 tonnes per hectare

Statistic 45

Aquaculture is expected to be the fastest-growing food production sector through 2030, with a projected average growth rate of 4.3%

Statistic 46

The global demand for seafood is projected to increase by 37% by 2030, driven by population growth

Statistic 47

The largest aquaculture producers include China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and Egypt

Statistic 48

The rise of offshore aquaculture is a recent trend, with global offshore farm sites increasing by over 50% between 2015 and 2022

Statistic 49

Marine finfish farming makes up approximately 60% of total aquaculture production, with tilapia and shrimp constituting significant shares

Statistic 50

The number of licensed aquaculture farms worldwide is over 500,000, with Asia hosting the majority

Statistic 51

The EU's aquaculture sector produces approximately 1.3 million tonnes annually, with a steady growth rate of 2% per year

Statistic 52

The percentage of small-scale aquaculture farms is around 70%, emphasizing the industry's diversity

Statistic 53

Global freshwater aquaculture production is approximately 46 million tonnes, primarily in Asia

Statistic 54

Marine aquaculture accounts for about 45% of the total farmed seafood and is expanding rapidly, especially in offshore environments

Statistic 55

The projected global seafood demand increase may lead to a need for a 30% expansion of aquaculture facilities by 2030

Statistic 56

The development of genetically improved farmed fish (GIFT) has contributed to increases in yields by up to 20%, especially in tilapia farming

Statistic 57

The global aquaculture species diversity has increased over the past 20 years, with over 550 species now farmed commercially

Statistic 58

The increase in urban and indoor aquaculture facilities is driven by the need for local food sources and sustainable practices, with the sector expected to grow at 10% annually

Statistic 59

Aquaculture contributes significantly to food security, providing over 20% of the animal protein consumed globally, especially in developing countries

Statistic 60

Global investment in aquaculture technology startups reached over $300 million in 2022, showcasing growing interest in innovation

Statistic 61

The adoption of automation and artificial intelligence in aquaculture is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% through 2030, transforming farm management practices

Statistic 62

The implementation of blockchain technology in aquaculture traceability systems is emerging, with pilot projects initiated in several countries

Statistic 63

The use of drones for farm monitoring and management in aquaculture is emerging, with early pilots showing improvements in efficiency and disease detection

Statistic 64

Investment in aquaculture R&D accounts for about 3-5% of total industry revenue, highlighting the sector's focus on innovation

Statistic 65

Global aquaculture employment was estimated at over 23 million jobs in 2022

Statistic 66

Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 85% of the global aquaculture workforce, highlighting regional dominance

Statistic 67

The average age of aquaculture farmers globally is around 45 years, indicating ongoing need for youth engagement and modernization

Statistic 68

The sector is witnessing an increase in women’s participation, with women now representing approximately 30% of aquaculture labor force in some regions, emphasizing inclusive growth

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Key Highlights

  • The global aquaculture production reached approximately 87.5 million tonnes in 2022
  • Aquaculture now supplies over 50% of all fish consumed worldwide
  • The value of global aquaculture production was about $250 billion in 2022
  • Aquaculture's contribution to global fish production increased by 5% from 2021 to 2022
  • China accounts for approximately 60% of the world's aquaculture production
  • The top farmed species include carp, tilapia, salmon, and shrimp
  • Global aquaculture employment was estimated at over 23 million jobs in 2022
  • Asia-Pacific region produces around 90% of the world's farmed fish
  • The annual growth rate of aquaculture production has been approximately 5% over the past decade
  • Salmon aquaculture is the most valuable segment, representing approximately 30% of global aquaculture value
  • Shrimp farming accounts for about 15% of global aquaculture production
  • The global consumption of farmed fish per capita is about 20 kg/year
  • Africa's aquaculture sector grew by around 8% annually from 2010 to 2020

The aquaculture industry is booming, with global production hitting a staggering 87.5 million tonnes in 2022 and now supplying over half of all fish consumed worldwide, driven by innovations, sustainable practices, and an ever-increasing demand for seafood.

Economic Value

  • Salmon aquaculture is the most valuable segment, representing approximately 30% of global aquaculture value

Economic Value Interpretation

With salmon accounting for nearly a third of global aquaculture value, it's clear that in the fishy world of seafood industry, salmon are swimming at the top of the economic chain.

Economic Value and Market Trends

  • The value of global aquaculture production was about $250 billion in 2022
  • The growth of aquaponics integrates aquaculture with hydroponics and is valued at over $500 million globally, with expected annual growth of 8-10%
  • US aquaculture production contributed over $1.5 billion to the economy in 2022, with the industry growing annually at around 4%
  • The top exports of aquaculture products include salmon, shrimp, tilapia, and pangasius, with export revenues surpassing $20 billion globally
  • The global market for aquaculture feed is valued at over $36 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4% through 2027
  • Public-private partnerships are increasingly common in aquaculture development, fostering innovation and infrastructure investment, with over 150 active collaborations globally
  • The global fish processing and packaging market related to aquaculture products is valued at over $30 billion, with steady growth driven by increasing consumption
  • Transition to digital markets and e-commerce platforms has expanded access for small-scale aquaculture producers, increasing their market share by approximately 25% in the last five years

Economic Value and Market Trends Interpretation

With a booming valuation surpassing $250 billion in 2022 and innovative sectors like aquaponics and digital markets fueling steady growth, aquaculture stands as a fishy but formidable player in the global food economy, raising the stakes and the sustainability quotient one fish at a time.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

  • Environmental impacts of aquaculture include habitat modification, water pollution, and disease transfer, with ongoing research into sustainable practices
  • Approximately 19% of global fish stocks are overfished, leading to a focus on sustainable aquaculture solutions
  • Aquaculture has reduced pressure on wild fish stocks by providing an alternative source of seafood, contributing significantly to conservation efforts
  • The use of genetically improved or genetically modified fish in aquaculture is rising but remains controversial, with regulatory debates ongoing
  • The majority of aquaculture farms are located in coastal areas, with extensive land-based systems accounting for approximately 25% of production
  • The water footprint of farmed seafood is generally lower than land-based protein sources like beef or chicken, contributing to its sustainability profile
  • Fishmeal and fish oil, key ingredients in feed, are sourced increasingly from alternative sources like plant proteins and insect meal, reducing pressure on wild fish stocks
  • The adoption of biofloc technology in shrimp farming can improve yields by up to 40% and reduces water usage
  • Antibiotic use in aquaculture is decreasing due to stricter regulations, with some countries reporting reductions of up to 50% since 2010
  • Global aquaculture financing increased significantly in 2022, with investments reaching over $4 billion worldwide
  • The adoption of environmentally sustainable aquaculture practices, such as integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), is on the rise globally, with many farms adopting these methods to reduce environmental impacts
  • The mortality rate in aquaculture farms has been reduced to approximately 10% through improved management and technology, compared to over 20% a decade ago
  • The growth of eco-labeling and certification schemes like ASC and MSC has increased consumer confidence, with over 50% of seafood now certified
  • Climate change impacts, such as rising sea temperatures and acidification, threaten around 15% of global aquaculture production zones, prompting increased research into resilience
  • The adoption of closed containment systems can reduce environmental impacts and improve biosecurity, growing at a CAGR of about 7% through 2030
  • Many countries are implementing policies to ban or restrict the use of antibiotics in aquaculture, aiming to promote sustainable practices, with some regions reporting reductions of over 60%
  • The development of multi-trophic aquaculture systems enables farms to utilize waste from one species as input for another, increasing overall sustainability
  • Aquaculture water use efficiency has improved significantly, with newer systems achieving over 80% water reuse, reducing freshwater dependency

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

While aquaculture continues to buoy global seafood supplies and foster sustainable innovations like biofloc technology and multi-trophic systems, its environmental footprint—marked by habitat impacts and controversial practices such as genetically modified fish—remains a waters to navigate amid rising investment and stricter regulations.

Market Trends

  • The use of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) is increasing and is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 12% by 2030
  • The global market for aquaculture equipment and technology is valued at over $3 billion and is expected to grow
  • There is an increasing trend in organic and eco-label certified aquaculture products, with a growth rate of approximately 10% annually
  • The use of probiotics in aquaculture can enhance growth rates and disease resistance, with markets growing at around 8% annually
  • The shift toward plant-based and alternative protein feeds is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% through 2026, impacting aquaculture feed formulations
  • The share of organic aquaculture products is growing and accounts for roughly 10% of global farmed seafood exports, with potential to increase further

Market Trends Interpretation

As aquaculture transforms into a high-tech, eco-conscious industry, its 12% CAGR in RAS systems, expanding $3 billion market, and rising organic and probiotic trends—adding up to a sea of sustainable choices—signal that investing in smarter, greener aquaculture is no longer just a splash but the wave of the future.

Production and Supply

  • The global aquaculture production reached approximately 87.5 million tonnes in 2022
  • Aquaculture now supplies over 50% of all fish consumed worldwide
  • Aquaculture's contribution to global fish production increased by 5% from 2021 to 2022
  • China accounts for approximately 60% of the world's aquaculture production
  • The top farmed species include carp, tilapia, salmon, and shrimp
  • Asia-Pacific region produces around 90% of the world's farmed fish
  • The annual growth rate of aquaculture production has been approximately 5% over the past decade
  • Shrimp farming accounts for about 15% of global aquaculture production
  • The global consumption of farmed fish per capita is about 20 kg/year
  • Africa's aquaculture sector grew by around 8% annually from 2010 to 2020
  • The average global aquaculture yield is approximately 4.5 tonnes per hectare
  • Aquaculture is expected to be the fastest-growing food production sector through 2030, with a projected average growth rate of 4.3%
  • The global demand for seafood is projected to increase by 37% by 2030, driven by population growth
  • The largest aquaculture producers include China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and Egypt
  • The rise of offshore aquaculture is a recent trend, with global offshore farm sites increasing by over 50% between 2015 and 2022
  • Marine finfish farming makes up approximately 60% of total aquaculture production, with tilapia and shrimp constituting significant shares
  • The number of licensed aquaculture farms worldwide is over 500,000, with Asia hosting the majority
  • The EU's aquaculture sector produces approximately 1.3 million tonnes annually, with a steady growth rate of 2% per year
  • The percentage of small-scale aquaculture farms is around 70%, emphasizing the industry's diversity
  • Global freshwater aquaculture production is approximately 46 million tonnes, primarily in Asia
  • Marine aquaculture accounts for about 45% of the total farmed seafood and is expanding rapidly, especially in offshore environments
  • The projected global seafood demand increase may lead to a need for a 30% expansion of aquaculture facilities by 2030
  • The development of genetically improved farmed fish (GIFT) has contributed to increases in yields by up to 20%, especially in tilapia farming
  • The global aquaculture species diversity has increased over the past 20 years, with over 550 species now farmed commercially
  • The increase in urban and indoor aquaculture facilities is driven by the need for local food sources and sustainable practices, with the sector expected to grow at 10% annually
  • Aquaculture contributes significantly to food security, providing over 20% of the animal protein consumed globally, especially in developing countries

Production and Supply Interpretation

With over half of all fish now farmed—dominated by Asia's aquaculture giants and increasingly diversified across species and regions—this growling industry is not only supplying protein to a growing world but also swimming toward a sustainable future amid rising demand and innovative offshore ventures.

Technological Innovations and Digitalization

  • Global investment in aquaculture technology startups reached over $300 million in 2022, showcasing growing interest in innovation
  • The adoption of automation and artificial intelligence in aquaculture is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% through 2030, transforming farm management practices
  • The implementation of blockchain technology in aquaculture traceability systems is emerging, with pilot projects initiated in several countries
  • The use of drones for farm monitoring and management in aquaculture is emerging, with early pilots showing improvements in efficiency and disease detection
  • Investment in aquaculture R&D accounts for about 3-5% of total industry revenue, highlighting the sector's focus on innovation

Technological Innovations and Digitalization Interpretation

With over $300 million invested in 2022 and a projected 14% CAGR for AI and automation, the aquaculture industry is surfacing as a high-tech frontier where innovation, like blockchain traceability and drone surveillance, promises to transform traditional fish farms into intelligent, transparent aquapreneurial ventures—if only they can keep pace with the industry's modest R&D spending of 3-5%.

Workforce and Social Development

  • Global aquaculture employment was estimated at over 23 million jobs in 2022
  • Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 85% of the global aquaculture workforce, highlighting regional dominance
  • The average age of aquaculture farmers globally is around 45 years, indicating ongoing need for youth engagement and modernization
  • The sector is witnessing an increase in women’s participation, with women now representing approximately 30% of aquaculture labor force in some regions, emphasizing inclusive growth

Workforce and Social Development Interpretation

With over 23 million jobs worldwide—dominated by Asia-Pacific—an aging yet increasingly diverse workforce underscores the aquaculture sector’s critical need for modernization, youth engagement, and gender inclusion to sustain its growth trajectory.

Sources & References