GITNUXREPORT 2025

Hr In The Fishing Industry Statistics

Fishing industry employs 59 million people, faces skilled worker shortages and high turnover.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The average working hours for crew members in the fishing industry are 60-80 hours per week, often without adequate rest periods

Statistic 2

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing accounts for up to 26 million tonnes of seafood annually

Statistic 3

About 15% of the global seafood caught is lost due to poor handling and processing

Statistic 4

25% of fishing vessels are over 50 years old, leading to safety concerns and inefficiency

Statistic 5

Less than 20% of fishing vessels are equipped with modern safety and navigation technology

Statistic 6

Fishing industry workers report higher rates of occupational injuries compared to other sectors, with approximately 89 injuries per 1,000 workers annually

Statistic 7

Overfishing has led to the collapse of 33 significant fish stocks worldwide, impacting employment and industry stability

Statistic 8

The fishing industry faced a global labor shortage of approximately 18% in 2022, hindering productivity

Statistic 9

Approximately 70% of fishery workers report exposure to hazardous working conditions, including extreme weather and equipment accidents

Statistic 10

12% of the global fishing fleet utilizes illegal subsidies, which contribute to overcapacity and employment instability

Statistic 11

The average age of fishing vessels worldwide is increasing, indicating a need for modernization, with over 40% of vessels over 20 years old

Statistic 12

The global fish processing sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% until 2027, impacting employment levels

Statistic 13

The incidence of occupational diseases among fishermen is underreported, but estimates suggest around 10% of the workforce suffers from musculoskeletal disorders

Statistic 14

The global fishing industry is projected to generate around 210 million metric tons of fish and seafood annually by 2030, increasing workforce demand

Statistic 15

Small-scale fishermen often lack access to formal banking services, with less than 40% having access in some developing regions, limiting investment and growth

Statistic 16

Fishery-related occupational injuries are predominantly caused by vessel hazards, with 65% of incidents involving machinery and equipment

Statistic 17

The fishing industry contributes approximately $150 billion annually to the global economy

Statistic 18

About 60% of the global fish catch is destined for human consumption

Statistic 19

Supply chain disruptions have led to a 20% decrease in employment in some fishing communities during 2022

Statistic 20

Marine protected areas (MPAs) cover about 7.5% of global marine waters, contributing to recovery efforts and influencing fishing employment patterns

Statistic 21

Despite regulations, about 20% of fishing vessels operate without legal registration, complicating employment and safety oversight

Statistic 22

Automation in the fishing industry is increasing, with estimates that 15% of small-scale fisheries are adopting robotic technology

Statistic 23

The use of satellite monitoring technologies in the fishing industry increased by 25% in 2022, improving compliance and potentially affecting employment monitoring

Statistic 24

The industry’s efforts toward digitalization and automation are expected to create approximately 5% more jobs in the next five years, as new roles emerge in technology management

Statistic 25

The fishing industry employs approximately 59 million people globally

Statistic 26

About 90% of the global fishing workforce is engaged in small-scale and artisanal fisheries

Statistic 27

Women make up roughly 20% of the seafood processing workforce

Statistic 28

The fishing industry has a high turnover rate, with approximately 30% of crew members leaving within the first year

Statistic 29

40% of crew members in the fishing industry work more than 70 hours per week

Statistic 30

The average age of fishermen globally is around 49 years old, indicating an aging workforce

Statistic 31

The fishing industry faces a shortage of skilled labor, with 45% citing lack of qualified workers as a major challenge

Statistic 32

In some regions, fishing wages can be as low as $2 per hour, indicating significant wage disparity

Statistic 33

The global fishing fleet includes over 4 million commercial vessels

Statistic 34

Female participation in the fishing industry is higher in some Asian countries, reaching up to 35% of the workforce

Statistic 35

The fishing industry’s workforce is predominantly male, with women representing less than 25% overall

Statistic 36

Fishing industry employment varies significantly by region, with Southeast Asia accounting for about 50% of global fishing employment

Statistic 37

The majority of fishing workers lack access to comprehensive healthcare, with estimates of coverage at less than 30% in some developing regions

Statistic 38

Women’s labor participation in seafood processing and trade increased by 12% between 2015 and 2020

Statistic 39

In Europe, the fishing industry employs approximately 145,000 people, with a significant proportion being seasonal workers

Statistic 40

Fishing industry workers in developing countries often earn less than $1.50 per hour, highlighting income disparity

Statistic 41

Approximately 65% of fishery workers report a lack of formal training or certification, affecting safety and productivity

Statistic 42

In some fishing communities, youth unemployment rates are as high as 35%, prompting workforce aging and skill shortages

Statistic 43

The average annual income of fishermen varies widely, from less than $5,000 in developing countries to over $30,000 in developed nations

Statistic 44

The adoption of sustainable fishing practices has increased employment in eco-friendly fisheries by approximately 8% since 2018

Statistic 45

Labor rights abuses in the fishing industry have been documented in up to 15% of international fisheries, involving issues like forced labor

Statistic 46

The global seafood supply chain employs millions, with estimates suggesting that up to 10 million people are involved solely in processing and distribution

Statistic 47

The highest employment levels in the fishing industry are observed in Africa, with over 7 million people engaged in fishing activities

Statistic 48

The global fishing workforce includes approximately 2.3 million active fishers at sea, with the rest employed in processing, marketing, and support roles

Statistic 49

In Latin America, fishing industry employment has increased by 12% over the past five years due to aquaculture expansion, impacting local employment

Slide 1 of 49

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

The fishing industry employs approximately 59 million people globally
About 90% of the global fishing workforce is engaged in small-scale and artisanal fisheries
Women make up roughly 20% of the seafood processing workforce
The fishing industry has a high turnover rate, with approximately 30% of crew members leaving within the first year
40% of crew members in the fishing industry work more than 70 hours per week
The average age of fishermen globally is around 49 years old, indicating an aging workforce
The fishing industry contributes approximately $150 billion annually to the global economy
About 60% of the global fish catch is destined for human consumption
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing accounts for up to 26 million tonnes of seafood annually
The fishing industry faces a shortage of skilled labor, with 45% citing lack of qualified workers as a major challenge
In some regions, fishing wages can be as low as $2 per hour, indicating significant wage disparity
About 15% of the global seafood caught is lost due to poor handling and processing
25% of fishing vessels are over 50 years old, leading to safety concerns and inefficiency

With nearly 60 million people worldwide dedicated to catching and processing seafood—with women comprising just 20% of the workforce and a staggering 30% turnover in their first year—the fishing industry is battling a complex web of labor shortages, aging vessels, unsafe working conditions, and significant socio-economic disparities that threaten its sustainability and growth.

Employment Conditions

The average working hours for crew members in the fishing industry are 60-80 hours per week, often without adequate rest periods

Employment Conditions Interpretation

With crew members logging 60-80 hours weekly often without sufficient rest, the fishing industry’s dedication to quota is fishing itself into dangerous waters—both for workers and sustainability.

Industry Challenges and Risks

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing accounts for up to 26 million tonnes of seafood annually
About 15% of the global seafood caught is lost due to poor handling and processing
25% of fishing vessels are over 50 years old, leading to safety concerns and inefficiency
Less than 20% of fishing vessels are equipped with modern safety and navigation technology
Fishing industry workers report higher rates of occupational injuries compared to other sectors, with approximately 89 injuries per 1,000 workers annually
Overfishing has led to the collapse of 33 significant fish stocks worldwide, impacting employment and industry stability
The fishing industry faced a global labor shortage of approximately 18% in 2022, hindering productivity
Approximately 70% of fishery workers report exposure to hazardous working conditions, including extreme weather and equipment accidents
12% of the global fishing fleet utilizes illegal subsidies, which contribute to overcapacity and employment instability
The average age of fishing vessels worldwide is increasing, indicating a need for modernization, with over 40% of vessels over 20 years old
The global fish processing sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% until 2027, impacting employment levels
The incidence of occupational diseases among fishermen is underreported, but estimates suggest around 10% of the workforce suffers from musculoskeletal disorders
The global fishing industry is projected to generate around 210 million metric tons of fish and seafood annually by 2030, increasing workforce demand
Small-scale fishermen often lack access to formal banking services, with less than 40% having access in some developing regions, limiting investment and growth
Fishery-related occupational injuries are predominantly caused by vessel hazards, with 65% of incidents involving machinery and equipment

Industry Challenges and Risks Interpretation

Despite treading water with outdated vessels, unsafe conditions, and illegal subsidies, the fishing industry’s alarming toll—up to 26 million tonnes of IUU catch, collapsing fish stocks, and high injury rates—exposes a sinking ship in desperate need of modernization and sustainable reforms to secure its future and that of its workers.

Supply Chain and Market Dynamics

The fishing industry contributes approximately $150 billion annually to the global economy
About 60% of the global fish catch is destined for human consumption
Supply chain disruptions have led to a 20% decrease in employment in some fishing communities during 2022

Supply Chain and Market Dynamics Interpretation

Despite its hefty $150 billion contribution to the global economy and feeding millions, the fishing industry's recent supply chain disruptions highlight how even a well-oiled maritime machine can experience rough waters, risking livelihoods and the very sustenance it provides.

Sustainability and Regulatory Issues

Marine protected areas (MPAs) cover about 7.5% of global marine waters, contributing to recovery efforts and influencing fishing employment patterns
Despite regulations, about 20% of fishing vessels operate without legal registration, complicating employment and safety oversight

Sustainability and Regulatory Issues Interpretation

While fisheries enjoy the sanctuary of 7.5% marine protected areas promoting recovery, the lurking shadow of unregistered vessels—representing a fifth of the fleet—reminds us that fishing's sustainability depends not only on protected zones but also on cracking down on clandestine operations.

Technological Advancements and Digitalization

Automation in the fishing industry is increasing, with estimates that 15% of small-scale fisheries are adopting robotic technology
The use of satellite monitoring technologies in the fishing industry increased by 25% in 2022, improving compliance and potentially affecting employment monitoring
The industry’s efforts toward digitalization and automation are expected to create approximately 5% more jobs in the next five years, as new roles emerge in technology management

Technological Advancements and Digitalization Interpretation

As automation and digitalization reel in a 25% boost in satellite monitoring and a projected 5% job growth, the fishing industry is proving that even in its oldest trade, the future is all about catching opportunity with a high-tech hook.

Workforce Demographics and Employment Conditions

The fishing industry employs approximately 59 million people globally
About 90% of the global fishing workforce is engaged in small-scale and artisanal fisheries
Women make up roughly 20% of the seafood processing workforce
The fishing industry has a high turnover rate, with approximately 30% of crew members leaving within the first year
40% of crew members in the fishing industry work more than 70 hours per week
The average age of fishermen globally is around 49 years old, indicating an aging workforce
The fishing industry faces a shortage of skilled labor, with 45% citing lack of qualified workers as a major challenge
In some regions, fishing wages can be as low as $2 per hour, indicating significant wage disparity
The global fishing fleet includes over 4 million commercial vessels
Female participation in the fishing industry is higher in some Asian countries, reaching up to 35% of the workforce
The fishing industry’s workforce is predominantly male, with women representing less than 25% overall
Fishing industry employment varies significantly by region, with Southeast Asia accounting for about 50% of global fishing employment
The majority of fishing workers lack access to comprehensive healthcare, with estimates of coverage at less than 30% in some developing regions
Women’s labor participation in seafood processing and trade increased by 12% between 2015 and 2020
In Europe, the fishing industry employs approximately 145,000 people, with a significant proportion being seasonal workers
Fishing industry workers in developing countries often earn less than $1.50 per hour, highlighting income disparity
Approximately 65% of fishery workers report a lack of formal training or certification, affecting safety and productivity
In some fishing communities, youth unemployment rates are as high as 35%, prompting workforce aging and skill shortages
The average annual income of fishermen varies widely, from less than $5,000 in developing countries to over $30,000 in developed nations
The adoption of sustainable fishing practices has increased employment in eco-friendly fisheries by approximately 8% since 2018
Labor rights abuses in the fishing industry have been documented in up to 15% of international fisheries, involving issues like forced labor
The global seafood supply chain employs millions, with estimates suggesting that up to 10 million people are involved solely in processing and distribution
The highest employment levels in the fishing industry are observed in Africa, with over 7 million people engaged in fishing activities
The global fishing workforce includes approximately 2.3 million active fishers at sea, with the rest employed in processing, marketing, and support roles
In Latin America, fishing industry employment has increased by 12% over the past five years due to aquaculture expansion, impacting local employment

Workforce Demographics and Employment Conditions Interpretation

With a global fishing workforce of around 59 million—predominantly aging, undertrained, and often underpaid—it's clear that sustaining the industry's economic and ecological health requires urgent attention to workforce diversification, fair wages, and sustainable practices, lest we fish ourselves into a deeper crisis.