Aquaculture Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report by Species, Environment, Region and Segment Forecasts 2025-2033

Aquaculture Market Size and Forecast 2025

Aquaculture Market is expected to reach US$ 469.7 billion by 2033 from US$ 303.55 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.97% from 2025 to 2033. Rising demand for fish, more public knowledge of the health advantages linked to it, the use of cutting-edge technologies, ecologically friendly practices, declining wild fish populations, and robust regional demand are all driving the market's expansion.

Aquaculture Market Report by Environment (Freshwater, Marine Water, Brackish Water), Type (Fish, Crustaceans, Mollusks, Seaweed, Aquatic Plants, Others), End Use (Food Industry, Agriculture, Animal Feed, Others), Countries and Company Analysis 2025-2033.

Aquaculture Market Overview

The regulated production of aquatic organisms, including fish, shellfish, seaweed, and other marine life, is referred to as aquaculture or aquafarming. It entails breeding, raising, and harvesting in a variety of aquatic habitats, such as open ocean systems, freshwater ponds, and coastal waterways. Globally, aquaculture is an essential source of food, revenue, and jobs that helps satisfy the growing demand for seafood while easing the strain on wild fish populations. It encompasses methods such as the cultivation of fish, shrimp, and algae. Through ethical farming practices and technological advancements, sustainable aquaculture seeks to reduce its negative effects on the environment, enhance animal health, and guarantee long-term food security.

The growing demand for foods high in protein worldwide and the depletion of wild fish populations are driving the aquaculture market's rapid growth. Aquaculture provides a sustainable seafood production option when overfishing threatens marine biodiversity. Technological developments in breeding, disease prevention, and water quality management have increased productivity and efficiency. Consumption is also being driven by rising health consciousness and the appeal of omega-3-rich fish, such as salmon. The industry is further strengthened by government assistance, advantageous laws, and investments in environmentally friendly agricultural methods. The industry's potential is also being increased by advancements in offshore farming and feed development, which will help it satisfy the food needs of the world's burgeoning urban populations.

Growth Drivers for the Aquaculture Market

Growing pharmaceutical industry need for aquatic plants and organisms

Aquatic plants and creatures are becoming more and more popular in the pharmaceutical business because of their remarkable therapeutic qualities and their uses in medication development. The bioactive substances found in marine organisms including sponges, algae, and some fish, such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and antimicrobial peptides, are actively sought after for the creation of novel medications. The health advantages of aquatic plants, such as seaweed and microalgae, are also being investigated. These benefits include the potential to alleviate chronic illnesses and enhance general well-being. The increasing emphasis on sustainable and natural sources of therapeutic agents is pushing scientists to explore aquatic ecosystems' rich biodiversity.

Furthermore, by offering a consistent and sustainable supply of marine species without overusing natural resources, developments in aquaculture techniques are crucial to addressing this need. The industry's focus on environmental responsibility and the search for innovative, naturally derived solutions to address healthcare requirements are in line with this trend. In 2024, engineers from the University of California San Diego developed small robots made of algae, known as microrobots, that can go through the lungs and deliver medications to cancerous tumors that have spread. This approach has shown promise in mice, since it inhibited the growth and spread of lung-spreading tumors, improving survival rates in comparison to control therapies.

Growing Uptake of New Technology

The aquaculture market size is primarily driven by the growing number of new technologies in the fish cultivation industry. These developments offer aquaculture operators a new degree of production, efficiency, and sustainability when skillfully and creatively coupled. As a result, fish are fed healthily and on time thanks to automatic feeding systems that ensure there are no leftovers. Furthermore, real-time control and necessary adjustments are made possible by water quality sensors and monitoring tools. Through the use of biotechnology and selective breeding, fish have been genetically altered to grow more quickly and resist disease. To promote the use of AI and IoT in farm management, farm water, farm feed, farm health, and farm supply chain, the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, hosted a two-day event on Smart Aquaculture 2024 on March 22 and 23. Additionally, forecasting is made possible by data science and AI. As a result, recirculating aquaculture systems-which use very little water and reuse it-become more competitive and highly adaptive, which in turn increases the competitiveness of land-based aquaculture operators. These feeding strategies are adequate to meet the expanding demand for seafood around the world and enable adherence to sustainability standards, which in turn supports the expansion of the aquaculture sector.

Growing Interest in Seafood Products

The growing demand for seafood products is being leveraged by the industry. While other wild fisheries are being depleted, this can be bolstered by dietary choices that the overfished traditional fisheries cannot provide. According to the study "Fish Consumption in India: Patterns and Trends," which was published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and WorldFish, 967 million people, or 72.1% of the country's population, ate fish. Primary data from several government sources, including National Family Health Survey reports spanning roughly 15 years, was gathered for the study. Nonetheless, aquaculture may provide a large number of highly sought-after aquatic species since it is a skilled and sustained producer. Aquaculture's market share is growing as a result of customers eating fish at a substantial level because of its nutritional benefits. Seafood has also gained popularity due to its reduced fat content and omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, the rapidly expanding middle class around the world-which is primarily found in emerging markets-is earning more money and can now afford to buy seafood. Consequently, the aquaculture market price is being positively impacted by this. In the appropriate settings, aquaculture can produce a wide variety of aquatic species in a humorous manner. As a result, this is further improving the outlook for the aquaculture market.

Challenges in the Aquaculture Market

Disease Outbreaks and Biosecurity Risks

In the aquaculture industry, disease outbreaks and biosecurity threats pose serious problems that jeopardize profitability and production. Pathogens can spread quickly in high-density farming settings, resulting in catastrophic mortality and large financial losses. Viruses, parasite infestations, and bacterial infections are common problems that call for expensive treatments and preventative measures. Antimicrobial resistance brought on by excessive antibiotic use can endanger human health as well as aquatic life. Upholding stringent biosecurity measures, like vaccination, quarantine, and water quality monitoring, is crucial but frequently challenging to carry out regularly. Market confidence and sustainability are compromised when these risks are not managed.

Regulatory and Compliance Hurdles

The aquaculture market faces many regulatory and compliance obstacles, especially because different jurisdictions have different and intricate legal systems. Numerous permits, environmental impact studies, and food safety laws must be followed by farmers, which can cause delays and raise expenses. International trade and investment are hampered by disparate national norms, which also create obstacles to market expansion. Furthermore, small-scale producers frequently lack the means to adhere to changing regulations regarding antibiotic use, animal welfare, and sustainability. The sector's growth may be constrained and innovation may be discouraged by these regulatory costs. Promoting global harmonization and streamlining regulations are crucial for fostering industrial growth and competitiveness.

United States Aquaculture Market

To meet local demand for sustainably produced and locally obtained seafood, the United States concentrates on high-value species like salmon and shrimp. Technological innovations like RAS increase productivity and lessen environmental effects, while initiatives like NOAA's "Aquaculture Opportunity Areas" are encouraging offshore aquaculture. Strong customer demand for premium seafood products and eco-friendly operations encourages infrastructure and technological investment. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture spent USD 75 million on research to advance aquaculture practices that are sustainable. Businesses like BlueNalu and Cooke Aquaculture are developing goods to meet shifting consumer needs. Despite having a small portion of global output, the US market is supportive of sustainability and is expected to rise as more people become aware of the advantages of seafood consumption.

Germany Aquaculture Market

Growing consumer demand for sustainably and locally produced seafood is propelling the steady evolution of the German aquaculture business. Aquaculture offers a potential remedy as wild fish stocks are depleting and consumer demand for environmentally acceptable food options rises. The first fish farming pilot plant in Europe was opened in April 2024 by Hamburg-based startup Bluu Seafood, marking an important milestone. The 2,000-square-meter facility, which started as a tiny lab in Lubeck, now uses sophisticated fermenters to grow rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon cells. This invention, which starts with a 65-liter capacity and can be scaled up to 2,000 liters, illustrates Germany's drive for innovative aquaculture technologies and alternative protein sources.

India Aquaculture Market

The growing domestic demand for seafood, advancements in technology, and greater awareness of sustainable farming methods are driving India's aquaculture market's steady growth. Numerous aquatic environments that sustain freshwater and coastal aquaculture are advantageous to the industry. To increase productivity and lessen their impact on the environment, farmers are implementing cutting-edge techniques like biofloc and recirculating systems. Government programs are promoting modernization and improving value chain support infrastructure. In remote areas, aquaculture is also increasingly becoming a major source of jobs. The industry has a lot of room to grow with better procedures and wise legislative backing, even in the face of obstacles like environmental issues and disease control.

Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market

The aquaculture industry in Saudi Arabia is expanding quickly as the nation looks to improve food security and diversify its economy. Saudi Arabia is making significant investments in sustainable aquaculture technology, such as offshore farming and recirculating aquaculture systems, due to its limited natural freshwater supplies. The largest event of its kind in the Kingdom, the Saudi International Marine Exhibition (SIMEC), was held in February 2024 by the National Livestock & Fisheries Development Program (NLFDP) and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA). SIMEC demonstrated the government's commitment to growing aquaculture by showcasing advancements in sustainable seafood production and seeking to draw in both domestic and foreign investments. Saudi Arabia is positioned as a regional leader in sustainable marine farming as a result of these initiatives.

Recent Developments in Aquaculture Market

• Huon Aquaculture is to invest AUD 110 million (£78 million) in the expansion of its Tasmanian farm in June 2024. At its Whale Point plant in Tasmania, a new recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) will be part of the project.
• Cognizant and Cermaq Group AS, a well-known international salmon producer that supports the transition to healthier, climate-friendly food systems, announced their ongoing collaboration in March 2024. After ten years of cooperation, this renewal establishes Cognizant as a reliable strategic partner in Cermaq's digital modernization process. The partnership will be extended to include Cermaq's Canadian and Norwegian businesses.
• Representatives of Cooke Aquaculture and Aqua Chile reached a deal with Chilean government officials in January 2024 to remove the concessions held by the companies from national parks and other areas. According to the agreement, these concessions must be moved to non-environmentally protected regions.

Aquaculture Market Segments

Environment

• Freshwater
• Marine Water
• Brackish Water

Type

• Fish
• Crustaceans
• Mollusks
• Seaweed
• Aquatic Plants
• Others

End Use

• Food Industry
• Agriculture
• Animal Feed
• Others

Country - Market breakup in 25 viewpoints:

North America

• United States
• Canada

Europe

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Turkey

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• New Zealand

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina

Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia

All companies have been covered from 5 viewpoints:

• Company Overview
• Key Persons
• Recent Development & Strategies
• SWOT Analysis
• Sales Analysis

Key Players Analysis

• Blue Ridge Aquaculture
• Cermaq ASA
• Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
• Eastern Fish Co.
• Huon Aquaculture Group Pty Ltd.
• International Fish Farming Co. - Asmak
• RoyMarine Harvest ASA
• Nireus Aquaculture S.A
• Promarisco
• Selonda Aquaculture S.A.