Global Aquaculture Market Forecast and Key Trends (2025-2031)

The Global Aquaculture Market size is projected to reach US$ 743.90 billion by 2031 from US$ 516.33 billion in 2024. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.4% during 2025–2031.

Global Aquaculture Market Analysis

The aquaculture market is driven by the rising global demand for protein-rich food, overfishing wild stocks, and advancements in aquaculture technology. As sustainability becomes a key focus, aquaculture presents an opportunity to meet seafood demand with a lower environmental impact. Innovations such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and improved breeding techniques enhance yield and efficiency. Additionally, increasing investments and favorable government policies in emerging economies create a promising landscape for expansion, positioning aquaculture as a vital contributor to future food security.

Global Aquaculture Market Overview

The global aquaculture market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising seafood demand, overfishing concerns, and advancements in farming technologies. Valued at over US$ 300 billion in 2024, the market is expected to expand steadily due to increasing consumption of protein-rich diets and sustainable practices. Asia Pacific dominates the industry, with China as the leading producer. Key segments include freshwater, marine, and brackish water farming, focusing on species like salmon, shrimp, and tilapia. Innovations in feed, disease control, and aquaponics further enhance productivity, making aquaculture a vital component of global food security and economic development.

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Aquaculture Market: Strategic Insights

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Global Aquaculture Market Drivers and Opportunities

Market Drivers:

• Rising Global Seafood Demand

  Increasing population and health-conscious diets are boosting seafood consumption.

• Overexploitation of Wild Fisheries

  Declining wild fish stocks are accelerating the global shift toward sustainable aquaculture.

• Technological Advancements

  Innovations in breeding, water quality management, and disease control improve yields.

• Government Support & Subsidies

  Many countries are promoting aquaculture through favorable policies and funding.

• Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices

  Growth in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and integrated aquaponics.

• Expansion in Developing Regions

  Emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia offer untapped potential.

Market Opportunities:

• Expansion of Sustainable Aquaculture Systems

  Growth in eco-friendly methods like recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA).

• Increased Demand for Plant-Based and Alternative Feeds

  Opportunity to reduce environmental impact and feed costs using algae, insects, or soy-based feeds

• Growth in Functional and Organic Seafood

  Rising consumer interest in organic, antibiotic-free, and value-added seafood products.

• Development in Emerging Markets

  Rising investments and infrastructure in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

• Commercial & Hospitality Sector Growth

  Hotels, restaurants, and food-processing industries require strict pest control, offering growth avenues for service providers.

• Expansion into New Species and Products

  Farming of high-value or novel species (e.g., sea cucumbers, ornamental fish) and marine bioproducts (e.g., collagen, omega-3).

Global Aquaculture Market Report Segmentation Analysis

The global aquaculture market is divided into different segments to give a clearer view of how it works, its growth potential, and the latest trends. Below is the standard segmentation approach used in most industry reports:

By Product Type:

• Fish

  Farmed for human consumption, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, using freshwater or marine systems.

  • Salmon

    Raised in cold-water net pens or land-based systems, prized for their high market value and nutrients.

  • Salmon

    Mostly ranched or cultured in sea cages after being caught young, valued for sushi and export markets.

  • Cod

    Cultivated in cold marine environments, it is known for its white, flaky meat and its use in fillets and processed foods.

  • Others

    Species like tilapia and catfish are grown widely for affordable, sustainable protein.

• Aquatic Plants

  This includes seaweed and algae cultivated for food, cosmetics, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals.

• Crustaceans

  Shrimp and crabs are farmed in ponds or tanks; they are quite popular in global cuisine and export trade.

• Mollusca

  Oysters, mussels, and clams are often grown on ropes or seabeds for food and pearl production.

• Others

  They encompass eels, frogs, and ornamental fish; they are bred for niche markets and the aquarium trade.

By Culture Environment:

• Freshwater

  Farming of species like tilapia, carp, and catfish in rivers, ponds, and tanks is widely used due to low cost and accessibility.

• Brackish Water

  Utilizes slightly salty environments such as estuaries and coastal ponds to raise species like shrimp and milkfish, balancing freshwater and marine traits.

• Marine Water

  Cultivates saltwater species like salmon, tuna, and sea bass in ocean cages, net pens, or offshore farms, ideal for high-value seafood production.

By Geography:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
• South and Central America

The aquaculture market in the Asia Pacificis expected to witness the fastest growth. The key drivers of the aquaculture market in the Asia Pacific are the high production volume, strong seafood demand, and favorable farming conditions.

Aquaculture Market Regional Insights

The regional trends and factors influencing the Aquaculture Market throughout the forecast period have been thoroughly explained by the analysts at The Insight Partners. This section also discusses Aquaculture Market segments and geography across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.

Aquaculture Market Report Scope

Aquaculture Market Players Density: Understanding Its Impact on Business Dynamics

The Aquaculture Market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing end-user demand due to factors such as evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and greater awareness of the product's benefits. As demand rises, businesses are expanding their offerings, innovating to meet consumer needs, and capitalizing on emerging trends, which further fuels market growth.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years. Emerging markets in the Asia Pacific also have many untapped opportunities for aquaculture providers to expand.

The aquaculture market grows differently in each region. This is because of factors like increasing global demand for seafood, depletion of wild fish stocks, technological advancements in farming methods, government policies and subsidies, rising health consciousness and protein consumption, expansion in developing regions, and adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Below is a summary of market share and trends by region:

1. North America

• Market Share:

  Moderate share with increasing investments in sustainable practices

• Key Drivers:

  • Demand for high-quality, traceable seafood
  • Technological innovation in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
  • Supportive government regulations and certifications

• Trends:

  Growth in land-based salmon farming and plant-based feed alternatives

2. Europe

• Market Share:

  Growing market with steady progress

• Key Drivers:

  • Invasive Species Threats
  • Public Health Concerns
  • Climate Change Impact

• Trends:

  Rise in eco-friendly biopesticides and intelligent pest control

3. Asia Pacific

• Market Share:

  Largest market with dominant global production

• Key Drivers:

  • High Seafood Consumption
  • Government Subsidies and Investment in Aquaculture
  • Coastal Aquaculture Development

• Trends:

  Intensification of fish farming, integration of digital technologies, and increased focus on export-oriented production

4. Middle East and Africa

• Market Share:

  Emerging market with high growth potential

• Key Drivers:

  • Water Scarcity Driving Sustainable Practices
  • Food Security Initiatives
  • Government Investments in Aquaculture Infrastructure

• Trends:

  Adoption of desert aquaculture and cage farming in marine environments

5. South and Central America

• Market Share:

  Substantial share due to health awareness

• Key Drivers:

  • Rising Demand for Protein-Rich Diets
  • Expansion of Coastal and Inland Fish Farming
  • Government Support for Export-Oriented Aquaculture

• Trends:

  Adoption of sustainable aquaculture practices, growth in tilapia and shrimp farming, and increased investment in disease-resistant species

Global Aquaculture Market Players Density: Understanding Its Impact on Business Dynamics

High Market Density and Competition

Competition is intense due to the presence of established players such as JBS SA, Mowi ASA, Blue Ridge Aquaculture Inc, and Thai Union Group PCL. Regional and niche providers like Bakkafrost, Danish Salmon, and Mowi ASA also add to the competitive landscape across different regions.

This high level of competition urges companies to stand out by offering:

• Use of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
• AI & IoT-based monitoring and automation
• Genetic improvements and breeding technologies

Opportunities and Strategic Moves

• Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices.
• High-Value Species Diversification.
• Focus on Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
• Introduction of Ready-to-Eat or Value-Added Seafood

Major Companies operating in the Global Aquaculture Market are:

1. JBS SA
2. Mowi ASA
3. Blue Ridge Aquaculture Inc
4. Thai Union Group PCL
5. Bakkafrost
6. Cooke Aquaculture Inc
7. Danish Salmon
8. Leroy Seafood Group ASA
9. Stolt-Nielsen Ltd
10. Cermaq Group AS

Disclaimer: The companies listed above are not ranked in any particular order.

Other companies analyzed during the course of research:

1. Grieg Seafood ASA
2. SalMar ASA
3. Nireus Aquaculture S.A.
4. Cargill Aqua Nutrition
5. Maruha Nichiro Corporation
6. Nippon Suisan Kaisha (Nissui)
7. Unima Group
8. American Abalone Farms
9. Farallon Aquaculture, SA
10. Empresas AquaChile S.A.
11. Multiexport Foods
12. Sea Watch International Ltd.
13. Selonda Aquaculture S.A.
14. Trident Seafoods
15. Nueva Pescanova Group
16. Huon Aquaculture Group
17. Ocean Aquafarms AS
18. Aqua.cl
19. Aquaculture of Texas Inc.
20. International Fish Farming Holding (Asmak)

Global Aquaculture Market News and Recent Developments

• Commission launches EU-wide aquaculture campaign

  EU Commissioner Costas Kadis will launch an EU-wide campaign on aquaculture, focusing on raising awareness and understanding among Member States and the Aquaculture Advisory Council, aimed at promoting the farming of fish, shellfish, and algae in the EU.

• India and the Maldives ink MoU to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture cooperation

  India and the Maldives have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their bilateral ties in fisheries and aquaculture, marking a significant step toward sustainable marine resource development. The agreement was formalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the Maldives.

• Brazilian Fish and CAT Introduce First Gene-Edited Tilapia in Brazil

  Brazilian Fish and the Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) developed the first gene-edited tilapia in Brazil, aiming to improve productivity and yield by accelerating breeding efficiency from 20 years to just one year. The initiative involves reproductive induction and in vitro fertilization tests, thereby improving growth, yield, and feed efficiency. The first gene-edited fish are now ready for performance and genomic evaluations.

Global Aquaculture Market Report Coverage and Deliverables

The " Global Aquaculture Market Size and Forecast (2021–2031)" report provides a detailed analysis of the market covering the following areas:

• Global Aquaculture Market size and forecast at global, regional, and country levels for all the key market segments covered under the scope
• Global Aquaculture Market trends, as well as market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and key opportunities
• Detailed Porter’s and SWOT analysis
• Global Aquaculture Market analysis covering key market trends, global and regional framework, major players, regulations, and recent market developments
• Industry landscape and competition analysis covering market concentration, heat map analysis, prominent players, and recent developments for the Global Aquaculture Market
• Detailed company profiles