Global aquaculture production reached in 2022 130.9 million tonnes, an unprecedented record.
©FAO/Saikat Mojumder
Aquaculture production of aquatic animals has surpassed capture fisheries in aquatic animal production for the first time, according to a new report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
In more detail, the 2024 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) states that global fisheries and aquaculture production in 2022 increased to 223.2 million tonnes, 4.4% more than in 2020.
Regarding these figures, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu alerted: "FAO welcomes the significant achievements thus far, but further transformative and adaptive actions are needed to strengthen the efficiency, inclusiveness, resilience and sustainability of aquatic food systems and consolidate their role in addressing food insecurity, poverty alleviation and sustainable governance."
The report also shows that the total aquatic animal food supply will require in the future a rise of 22% (36 million tonnes) due to the rising global population.
For these reasons, the Director General emphasized the need to promote the Blue Transformation so we can achieve a better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, in general terms.
Global aquaculture production reached in 2022 130.9 million tonnes, an unprecedented record, of which 94.4 million tonnes are aquatic animals. This means 51% of the total aquatic animal production.
China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Norway, Egypt, and Chile produced more than 89.8% of the total.
It should also be noted that low-income countries in Africa and Asia are still not making the most of their potential. The FAO warns that significant measures are especially needed in Africa to boost sustainable aquaculture.
In late April, QU Dongy met with different African leaders (Liberia, Republic of Madagascar, Comoros, Nigeria, and Cote d’Ivoire) during the 33rd Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC33) to encourage aquaculture production.
The global apparent consumption of aquatic animal foods has increased at nearly twice the rate of the world population since 1961, with global per capita annual consumption rising from 9.1 kg in 1961 to 20.7 kg in 2022.
Furthermore, the 89% of total aquatic animal production was for direct human consumption. The rest was destined for indirect or non-food uses, mainly fishmeal and fish oil production.
Finally, SOFIA estimates that aquatic animal production will increase by 10% by 2032 to reach 205 million tonnes and consumption by 12% to supply on average 21.3 kg per capita in 2032.
SOFIA is an FAO flagship report that analyses the status and health of global fishery stocks as well as trends in fisheries and aquaculture at a global and regional level.
The 2024 edition spotlights the concrete advances of Blue Transformation in action, showcasing the role of FAO, in collaboration with Members and partners, in driving change towards sustainable aquaculture expansion and intensification, effectively managed fisheries, and value chains that prioritize efficiency, safety and equity.
