ROME, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a record 235 million tonnes in 2024, underscoring the sector's growing role in global food security, according to a report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The latest State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026, issued on Tuesday, said that production of aquatic animals totaled 195 million tonnes last year. Aquaculture output surpassed 100 million tonnes for the first time, with a farm-gate value of 371 billion U.S. dollars, while capture fisheries remained relatively stable at about 92 million tonnes. Trade in aquatic animal products climbed to a record 184 billion dollars, rivaling the global terrestrial meat trade in value.
According to the report, 89 percent of aquatic animal production is destined for human consumption, providing at least one-fifth of the animal protein intake for 3.1 billion people worldwide. The sector also supports the livelihoods of more than 600 million people. FAO projects that global aquatic animal production will continue to grow and reach 214 million tonnes by 2034.
Despite strong growth, the report highlighted persistent disparities in access to aquatic foods. In 2023, per-capita supply reached 26.3 kg in Asia, compared with only 9.1 kg in Africa. The organization called for targeted policies to ensure that the benefits of the sector are shared more equitably.
The report also warned that climate change, environmental degradation, economic shocks and geopolitical tensions are placing increasing pressure on fisheries and aquaculture. Under high-emissions scenarios, exploitable fish biomass is expected to decline by more than 10 percent in several regions by 2050.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said in the report's foreword that a healthy planet depends on healthy oceans and inland waters. He called for greater efforts to reverse declining sustainability and safeguard the sector's long-term development potential. Through its Blue Transformation Roadmap 2022-2030, FAO is promoting sustainable aquaculture, stronger fisheries governance and measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing worldwide. ■
