Aquaculture Market Trends

Aquaculture Market Overview

Aquaculture Market Size was valued at USD 157.95 billion in 2023. The aquaculture market industry is projected to grow from USD 160.9 billion in 2024 to USD 262.09 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.29% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Increased demand for fish oil is increasingly in demand across various sectors, including food and beverage, medicines, nutraceuticals and expanding commercial operations in seafood are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Aquaculture Market Trends

• Rising seafood demand is expected to propel the market growth in the coming years

Seafood is any aquatic species that can be eaten from the ocean and freshwater, including lobsters, crabs, mussels, and occasionally other sea life. The increased demand for seafood contributes to aquaculture's growing importance in the fish supply. For instance, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), an intergovernmental economic organization with headquarters in France, estimates that 90% of the fish produced will be consumed by humans, which is expected to rise by 16.3% by 2029. The market CAGR will expand due to the growing demand for seafood.

Furthermore, several diverse cultural traditions heavily emphasize the consumption of fish. Given the quantity of protein, vitamins, fatty acids, vital micronutrients, and minerals in fish, it has a great nutritional profile regarding its positive impacts on health. Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have many health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart attacks, preventing depression, preventing childhood asthma, and enhancing brain health. Fish is also a good source of other essential nutrients and vitamins. The demand for seafood products is predicted to increase due to these factors, which will accelerate market expansion over the anticipated period. For instance, in December 2018, Fast&Up, an Aeronutrix Sports Products Private Limited division, introduced Promega, a new omega-3-rich fish oil. The product claims it will help the immune system and brain development.

Figure 1: Demand for seafood from various countriesSource: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Furthermore, government initiatives and supportive policies are crucial in creating an environment conducive to aquaculture-related businesses. It covers research, legislative framework, and infrastructure. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) has identified a future supply and demand mismatch for seafood. The demand for seafood is expected to exceed 260 million tonnes by 2030, while the supply is anticipated to be 210 million tonnes at the current production rate. As a result, it is considered a reliable source to satisfy the rising demand for seafood.

However, technological innovations are a crucia trend that is becoming increasingly popular in the aquaculture sector. For instance, in October 2019, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), an Australian government agency for scientific research, developed a tool using augmented reality (AR) that uses novel pond and animal sensor technologies, data modeling, the next generation of data interaction techniques, situational awareness, and decision support for immediate understanding of key water quality parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, and more. Thus, it acts as another trend driving the growth of the aquaculture market revenue.

Aquaculture Market Segment Insights

Aquaculture Environment Insights

The  aquaculture market segmentation, based on environment, includes freshwater, marine water and brackish water. The freshwater category held the majority share in 2021 in respect to the  aquaculture market revenue attributed to the swift growth of aquaculture as a practical substitute for wild fishing. Natural freshwater sources include ice sheets, glaciers, icebergs, bogs, ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. Freshwater is also found underground in aquifers and underground streams. The three species of freshwater fish that predominate are salmon, trout, and tench. Over 95% of the world's freshwater aquaculture market is produced in Asia, with China dominating the region. To encourage the growth of freshwater fish output in the nation, which fuels the industry, Bangladesh's 1998 fisheries plan contained a mechanism for freshwater aquaculture.

April 2018: Chinese Jin Yu Tang Aquaculture (Cambodia) Co announced that it will invest about $100 million in freshwater and marine projects. This expenditure will completely destroy Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong provinces.

Aquaculture Type Insights

The  aquaculture market segmentation, based on type, includes fishes, crustaceans, mollusca and others. The fishes segment dominated the market in 2021 and is projected to be the faster-growing segment during the forecast period, 2022-2030. Fish demand is driven by growing knowledge of the health advantages of seafood. For instance, fish has several health advantages and is a good source of minerals, vitamins, and proteins. Hence,  increased fish consumption due to its nutritional value positively impacts market growth.

August 2021: Siemens provides money to Singapore Aquaculture Technologies. Through Siemens Project Ventures GmbH, the financing division of Siemens AG, Siemens Financial Services (SFS), reportedly contributed most of the equity investment. Siemens' involvement demonstrates its commitment to being the top supplier of premium fish products and data- and AI-driven aquaculture solutions under the BluCurrent brand.

Figure 2:  Aquaculture Market by Type, 2021 & 2030 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Besides, the mollusca category is anticipated to grow significantly over the forecast period as per the aquaculture market data, due to high demand, especially from applications related to food and nutrition. Fish species based on mollusks make up the majority of the aquatic life in the ocean. Molluscs are recognized as an important source of food.

By region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia Pacific aquaculture market accounted for USD 69.7 billion in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a 45.80% CAGR during the study period. Population growth, economic growth, and sociological variables like customary fish consumption patterns contribute to the Asian-Pacific region's demand for firms.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are: The U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 3:  AQUACULTURE MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

North American aquaculture market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the government's strong support for its development. Additionally, the species that have made a significant contribution to the growth of the sector, such as salmonids and mollusks, particularly hard clams, oysters, and mussels, are expected to fuel the expansion of the market in the area in the years to come. Further, the U.S. aquaculture market held the largest market share, and the Canada aquaculture market was the fastest-growing market in the North American region

The European aquaculture market is expected to grow at a substantial CAGR from 2022 to 2030. The primary driver of European market growth is the increased demand for fish as a nutritious food. Better sources of protein include fish and various types of seafood. Moreover, UK aquaculture market held the largest market share, and the France aquaculture market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

Due to the favorable climate and abundance of natural resources in the area, the aquaculture industry in UK is predicted to grow quickly. There is a rising need for cutting-edge goods that can help create higher-quality products and increase the effectiveness of operations now that there is more area accessible for the practice. For instance, in July 2020, the leading protein market provider in the food sector, Urner Barry, announced an expansion of its coverage of shrimp trading in the European market.

Aquaculture News: A Net Full of Developments

The aquaculture industry, focused on the farming of aquatic organisms, is witnessing a surge in activity. Here's a catch of recent news shaping this dynamic market:

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  Rising Star: Tilapia Giant Eyes Global Expansion: A leading tilapia producer has announced plans to use a UK pub chain deal as a springboard for broader market access. This move reflects the growing popularity of tilapia as a sustainable and affordable seafood option.

  
  


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  Atlantic Salmon Shakeup: The appointment of a Chilean aquaculture veteran as CEO of a major Atlantic Sapphire producer signifies a strategic shift. This industry leader known for land-based salmon farming seeks to leverage expertise for further growth.

  
  


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  Sustainable Seas: Regenerative Totoaba Aquaculture Gains Traction: Companies are embracing sustainable practices with initiatives like regenerative Totoaba aquaculture. This approach aims to restore fish populations while ensuring responsible environmental practices.

  
  


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  Shrimp Market in Flux: Shrimp exporters are navigating a challenging market with fluctuating prices and varying conditions across regions. This highlights the dynamic nature of the global aquaculture industry.

  
  


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  Land-Based Aquaculture on the Rise?: An established land-based trout farmer is planning significant expansion, potentially signaling a growing appetite for this alternative aquaculture method.

  
  


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  Technological Advancements: Investment continues in innovative technologies like AquaExchange's recent funding round. These advancements hold promise for improving efficiency and sustainability within the aquaculture sector.

  
  


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  Focus on Protein Security: The industry is increasingly recognized for its role in addressing global protein security concerns. As wild fish stocks dwindle, aquaculture is seen as a crucial source of protein for a growing population.

  
  

Beyond the Headlines: What it Means

These recent developments point towards several key trends in the aquaculture market:

• Sustainability: Environmentally friendly practices are gaining traction as consumers and producers alike prioritize responsible aquaculture methods.


• Innovation: Investment in new technologies is driving efficiency and addressing challenges like disease prevention.


• Market Diversification: The industry is expanding its reach with new species and production methods catering to evolving consumer preferences.


• Geographic Expansion: Aquaculture companies are exploring new markets and opportunities for global growth.

Aquaculture Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Major market players are spending a lot on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the aquaculture industry grow even more. Market participants are also taking various strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, market developments and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market industry.

One of the primary business strategies manufacturers adopt in the aquaculture industry to benefit clients and expand the sector is manufacturing locally to reduce operating costs. In recent years, aquaculture industry has provided medicine with some of the most significant benefits. The aquaculture market major player such as Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. (Japan), American Abalone Farms (US), Cermaq ASA (Norway), Dainichi Corporation (Japan) and Cargill Incorporated (US).

Cermaq ASA (Norway) is a leader in salmon production, driving the food system's transition to healthier, more environmentally friendly food. In August 2021, a deal on integrated salmon and kelp farming was reached between the salmon producer Cermaq and the aquaculture business Folla Alger in association with top scientific institutions in Norway.

Also, Blue Ridge Aquaculture Inc. (US) is the world's largest tilapia producer, employing indoor recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). It produces 4 million pounds of tilapia annually, shipping 10,000 to 20,000 pounds of live tilapia daily. These fish are not fed antibiotics or hormones and are free of mercury (undetectable levels in independent studies) and other industrial pollutants. In October 2020, the construction of a brand-new, cutting-edge nursery facility will cost $2.5 million, supporting Blue Ridge Aquaculture's (BRA) current farming operations and long-term expansion goals.

Key Companies in the aquaculture market includes

• Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. (Japan)


• American Abalone Farms (US)


• Cermaq ASA (Norway)


• Dainichi Corporation (Japan)


• Cargill Incorporated (US)


• Austevoll Seafood ASA (Norway)


• Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (Thailand)


• Blue Ridge Aquaculture Inc. (US)


• Mowi ASA (Norway)


• Tassal Group Ltd. (Australia)


• Sea Watch International Ltd. (US)


• Grieg Seafood ASA (Norway)


• Maruha Nichiro Corporation (Japan)


• Cooke Aquaculture (Canada)


• Thai Union Group PLC (Thailand)

Aquaculture Industry Developments

March 2022: WorldFish announced a comprehensive legal agreement with Premium Aquaculture Limited for the transfer of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) to Nigeria. Due to this agreement, Nigeria will be able to establish a company based on GIFT. By 2023, WorldFish/PAL GIFT tilapia should be available in Nigerian fish markets because to a partnership between WorldFish and PAL, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), and USAID.

Aquaculture Market Segmentation

Aquaculture Environment Outlook

• Freshwater


• Marine Water


• Brackish Water

Aquaculture Type Outlook

• Fishes


• Crustaceans


• Mollusca


• Others

Aquaculture Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America