Global Aquaculture Market Overview 2025–2033: Size, Trends, Key Segments, and Leading Companies

The Global Aquaculture Market is one of the most dynamic and essential sectors in the global food industry today. With wild fish stocks under pressure and seafood demand rising rapidly, aquaculture has become the primary source of fish and shellfish for billions of people worldwide.

As of 2025, the global aquaculture market size stands at USD 328.5 billion and is forecast to reach USD 512.0 billion by 2033, growing at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2025 to 2033. This steady expansion reflects increasing consumer awareness of seafood’s nutritional benefits, government support for sustainable protein production, and major technological breakthroughs in fish farming.

This in-depth, SEO-optimized guide covers everything you need to know about the global aquaculture market — from market size and segmentation to top-producing countries, leading companies, growth drivers, challenges, and emerging trends.

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What is Aquaculture?

Aquaculture refers to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, crustaceans, algae, and aquatic plants in controlled environments. Unlike traditional fishing, aquaculture allows for consistent supply, traceability, and reduced pressure on wild populations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) confirms that aquaculture now supplies over 52% of all fish consumed globally — a milestone that highlights its critical role in food security.

Global Aquaculture Market Size and Growth Outlook

The global aquaculture market was valued at USD 328.5 billion in 2025. Analysts project it will grow to USD 512.0 billion by 2033, driven by a 6.1% CAGR over the forecast period.

This growth is fueled by rising per capita seafood consumption (especially in Asia and emerging economies), declining wild catches, and increasing adoption of advanced farming technologies such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and offshore cages.

Key Market Segments in Aquaculture

1. By Species

Finfish – The largest segment (over 55% share), including salmon, tilapia, pangasius, catfish, carp, seabass, and seabream.
Crustaceans – The fastest-growing and most valuable segment, dominated by shrimp and prawns.
Mollusks – Oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops.
Others – Seaweed, microalgae, and ornamental fish.

2. By Environment

Freshwater aquaculture – Dominates production volume, especially in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Marine (saltwater) aquaculture – Led by salmon farming in Norway and Chile.
Brackish water aquaculture – Primarily shrimp farming in Ecuador, India, Vietnam, and Thailand.

3. By Farming Method

Pond culture
Cage systems (inland and offshore)
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
Biofloc technology
Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA)

Top 10 Aquaculture-Producing Countries in 2025

China – Accounts for more than 60% of global production
India – Rapid growth in freshwater fish and shrimp
Indonesia
Vietnam – Major shrimp and pangasius exporter
Norway – Global leader in Atlantic salmon
Chile – Second-largest salmon producer
Egypt – Fastest-growing tilapia producer
Bangladesh
Philippines
Thailand

Leading Companies in the Global Aquaculture Market

The aquaculture industry is led by a mix of large integrated players and specialized regional leaders:

Mowi ASA (Norway) – World’s largest producer of Atlantic salmon
Thai Union Group PCL (Thailand) – Dominant in shrimp processing and branded seafood
Lerøy Seafood Group (Norway)
Cermaq Group AS (owned by Mitsubishi Corporation)
SalMar ASA (Norway)
Cooke Aquaculture (Canada) – Major player in salmon and seabass
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) (Thailand) – Fully integrated shrimp and fish producer
Grieg Seafood ASA (Norway)
Australis Seafoods (Chile, part of Joyvio/Legend Holdings)
Blue Star Foods and Multiexport Foods (Chile)

These companies are heavily investing in sustainability certifications like Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), and GlobalG.A.P. to meet growing consumer and retailer demands for responsibly farmed seafood.

Major Growth Drivers

Surging global demand for protein-rich, low-fat foods
Declining wild fish stocks and fishing quotas
Technological innovations (AI monitoring, automated feeders, genomics, vaccines)
Strong government support and subsidies in Asia and Latin America
Rising health consciousness and preference for omega-3-rich seafood
Growth of premium certified and organic aquaculture products

Challenges Facing the Industry

Despite strong growth, aquaculture faces several hurdles:

Disease outbreaks (e.g., EMS in shrimp, sea lice in salmon)
Environmental concerns (effluent discharge, escapement risks)
High and volatile feed costs
Stringent regulations in Europe and North America
Climate change impacts (warmer water, ocean acidification)

Future Trends Shaping the Global Aquaculture Market

Rapid expansion of offshore and open-ocean farming
Wider adoption of land-based RAS facilities for salmon and shrimp
Growth in seaweed and algae farming for food, feed, and carbon sequestration
Increased use of alternative proteins (insect meal, single-cell proteins) in aquafeed
Rise of precision aquaculture using IoT, drones, and big data
Stronger focus on circular economy models and zero-waste systems

Conclusion

The global aquaculture market is not just growing — it is transforming the way the world produces and consumes seafood. With a projected value of USD 512 billion by 2033, aquaculture will continue to play a pivotal role in global food security, nutrition, and sustainability.

For investors, businesses, and policymakers, the message is clear: aquaculture is the future of seafood. Companies that prioritize innovation, traceability, and environmental responsibility will lead the industry in the coming decade.

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