1523. World Fisheries and Aquaculture Production Reaches a Record High: FAO Highlights “Blue Transformation” for Food Security

In June 2026, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) released The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026. The report reviews the current status and future outlook of global fisheries and aquaculture while outlining priorities for the transition toward more sustainable aquatic food systems.

According to FAO, global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a record high of 235 million tonnes in 2024. Of this total, aquatic animal production accounted for approximately 195 million tonnes, having increased at an average annual rate of 3.2 percent since 1950. FAO notes that aquatic foods are playing an increasingly important role in global food supply as the world's population continues to grow.

Aquaculture has been the main driver of this growth. In 2024, aquaculture produced approximately 103 million tonnes of aquatic animals, accounting for 53 percent of total aquatic animal production. Aquaculture first surpassed capture fisheries in aquatic animal production in 2021 and has continued to expand since then. While nearly 90 percent of global aquaculture production is concentrated in Asia, FAO notes that regions such as Africa have considerable potential for future development.

Aquatic foods also play a vital role in nutrition. According to the report, 89 percent of aquatic animal production was used for human consumption in 2024, with global per capita availability reaching 21.3 kg per year. As of 2023, more than 40 percent of the world's population obtained at least 20 percent of their animal protein intake from aquatic foods. Aquatic foods are particularly important in low-income countries, where they provide an accessible source of high-quality protein. However, the report also highlights regional disparities in availability: annual per capita availability reached 26.3 kg in Asia but only 9.1 kg in Africa.

The report also points to continuing challenges regarding the sustainability of marine fishery resources. In 2023, 62.4 percent of marine fishery stocks were estimated to be exploited within biologically sustainable levels. However, 72.6 percent of global marine landings originated from biologically sustainable stocks, suggesting improvements in the management of major fisheries.

FAO also discusses the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. For inland fisheries in particular, changes in land use, water resource management, water quality, and climate are identified as important factors affecting aquatic resources. The report emphasizes the importance of integrated watershed management to support the sustainable use of inland fisheries.

Looking ahead, FAO promotes Blue Transformation as a strategic framework for the future. The initiative aims to transform aquatic food systems through the sustainable expansion of aquaculture, strengthened science-based fisheries management, and the development of efficient and inclusive value chains, thereby enhancing their contribution to food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods.

Reference
FAO. 2026. In Brief to The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 – Blue Transformation: Turning Vision into Impact. Rome.
https://doi.org/10.4060/cd9841en

Contributor: Miyuki IIYAMA, Strategic Coordination Office