The scope of our recent study on the "Aquaculture Market Size and Forecasts (2021 - 2031), Global and Regional Share, Trends, and Growth Opportunity Analysis - by Product Type and Culture Environment" includes the factors fueling the aquaculture market growth, revenue estimation, and forecast, market share analysis, and the identification of significant market players and their key developments.

The aquaculture market size was valued at US$ 516.33 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 743.90 billion by 2031; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2031.

The rising global demand for seafood is a key factor driving the growth of the aquaculture industry, influenced by several interconnected factors, including population growth, increasing incomes, and growing awareness of seafood's nutritional benefits. As wild fish stocks continue to decline due to overfishing and environmental pressures, aquaculture has become a critical means to meet this demand. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights that global seafood consumption is increasing, with aquaculture playing a pivotal role in filling the supply gap. This demand is particularly strong in regions like Asia-Pacific, where cultural preferences and dietary habits prioritize aquatic foods, but it is also growing in developed markets like North America and Europe due to health-conscious consumer trends.

According to the FAO's 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report, global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a record 223.2 million tonnes in 2022, a 4.4% increase from 2020, with aquaculture surpassing capture fisheries in aquatic animal production for the first time. The report projects that aquatic animal production will increase by 10% by 2032, reaching 205 million tonnes, driven by aquaculture expansion to meet a 12% rise in apparent consumption, averaging 21.3 kg per capita. This growth underscores aquaculture's growing importance in global food security.

A significant trend within the aquaculture industry is the shift toward sustainable practices, spurred by consumer demand for environmentally responsible seafood and stricter regulatory frameworks. Sustainable aquaculture focuses on reducing environmental impacts through innovations like recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), eco-friendly feed, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA). These practices aim to minimize waste, conserve resources, and protect ecosystems while maintaining productivity. Governmental agencies, such as NOAA Fisheries and the FAO, are promoting these methods to align aquaculture with global sustainability goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This shift reflects a broader commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring the long-term viability of the industry.

Based on the product type, the aquaculture market is segmented into fish, aquatic plants, crustaceans, Mollusca, and others. The fish segment held the largest share of the aquaculture market in 2024. This significant market leadership reflects the escalating global demand for fish as a primary source of protein, a trend fueled by widespread dietary preferences that prioritize seafood for its nutritional benefits, including high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential micronutrients. The scalability and adaptability of fish farming further bolster this dominance, enabling efficient production to meet rising consumer needs across diverse regions. The versatility and widespread cultivation of key species such as salmon, tilapia, and carp support the prominence of the fish segment. These species are well-suited to various environmental conditions and farming techniques, making them highly adaptable for large-scale production in countries across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. This adaptability is a critical factor in the fish segment's ability to lead the market, as it allows producers to cater to both local and international markets effectively.

Governmental and international data provide additional context for this trend. The FAO's 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report highlights the pivotal role of fish in addressing global seafood demands, noting that aquaculture, particularly fish production, has become indispensable as wild fish stocks decline due to overfishing and environmental challenges.

In terms of culture environment, the market is segmented into fresh water, brackish water, and marine water. The marine water segment held the largest share of the aquaculture market in 2024, and the brackish water segment is expected to register the highest CAGR from 2025 to 2031. The marine water segment held the largest share of the aquaculture market in 2024, reflecting its established infrastructure and capacity to support large-scale production of high-demand species. This dominance is driven by the suitability of marine environments for cultivating a wide range of seafood, including finfish and shellfish, which are staples in global diets. The marine water segment's leadership in 2024 underscores its critical contribution to the industry, leveraging extensive coastal and oceanic resources.

The brackish water segment is expected to register the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2031. Brackish water, a mix of saltwater and freshwater, supports species such as shrimp and mullet, which are increasingly popular due to their adaptability to varying salinity levels and growing market demand. This adaptability allows producers to cultivate these species in diverse geographic regions, particularly in coastal areas where brackish water naturally occurs. The projected high CAGR for the brackish water segment signals a dynamic evolution in the industry, as it taps into untapped potential and responds to consumer preferences for these versatile and nutritious species. The growth potential of brackish water aquaculture is closely tied to its ability to leverage underutilized coastal areas, which are often overlooked in traditional marine or freshwater farming. This strategic focus aligns with governmental aquaculture strategies aimed at optimizing resource use and expanding production capacity sustainably. By utilizing these underutilized zones, brackish water farming can reduce pressure on overexploited marine stocks and freshwater systems, offering a balanced approach to meeting rising global seafood needs.

The aquaculture market is segmented into five main regions-North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America. Asia Pacific is estimated to register the fastest CAGR in the global aquaculture market from 2025 to 2031. This growth is driven by the region's established aquaculture infrastructure, high demand for seafood, and favorable government policies, particularly in countries like China, India, and Vietnam, which are major producers. The FAO's 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report supports this trend, noting that the Asia Pacific accounted for 75.6% of global aquaculture revenue in 2024, with production reaching 168.7 million tonnes in 2022, reflecting its dominance and potential for further expansion due to population growth and dietary preferences.

Global Aquaculture Market Breakdown - by Region

The report includes the segmentation of the global aquaculture market as follows:

The global aquaculture market is segmented based on product type, culture environment, and geography. Based on product type, the market is segmented into fish, aquatic plants, crustaceans, mollusca, and others. In terms of culture environment, the flooring aquaculture is categorized into freshwater, brackish water, and marine water. The scope of the aquaculture products market report focuses on North America (the US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and the Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific), the Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Rest of Middle East & Africa), and South & Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South & Central America).

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