The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report from FAO – In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and food security, the fisheries and aquaculture sector plays a crucial role. FAO recently published the report The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture. The Blue Transformation in Action (SOFIA 2024), highlighting key trends and progress in this sector. Highlights of the paper highlight how the ‘blue transformation’ can contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for global communities.
Fisheries and aquaculture production: a new all-time high
In 2022, global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a new all-time high of 223.2 million tonnes. Of this, 185.4 million tonnes of aquatic animals and 37.8 million tonnes of seaweed. This increase was mainly driven by aquaculture, which for the first time overtook capture fisheries in terms of animal production.
Geographical distribution of production
Asian countries contributed 70% of total aquatic animal production, followed by Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean (9% each), Africa (7%), North America (3%) and Oceania (1%). China remained the largest producer with 36% of total production.
Consumption of and trade in aquatic products
The apparent global consumption of aquatic food of animal origin was 162.5 million tonnes in 2021, with an average per capita consumption of 20.6 kg. Trade in aquatic products reached a record value of USD 195 billion in 2022, accounting for more than 9% of total agricultural trade.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite significant progress, the sector faces major challenges such as climate change, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and overfishing. It is essential to implement urgent measures to ensure the sustainable management of fishery resources and promote sustainable aquaculture.
Blue Processing
FAO has adopted ‘blue transformation’ as a priority area in its Strategic Programme 2022-2031, with the aim of maximising the opportunities offered by aquatic food systems to improve food security, nutrition and reduce poverty. This programme promotes sustainable aquaculture growth, effective fisheries management and improved aquatic food value chains.
The FAO report highlights fisheries and aquaculture as key sectors for global food security and environmental sustainability. With effective management and sustainable policies, it is possible to ensure that these sectors continue to thrive, providing nutritious and sustainable food to millions of people around the world.
The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report from FAO
