Fish Farming Continues to Grow as World Fisheries Stagnate

This new Vital Signs trend on aquaculture includes data for total world seafood harvest, farmed shrimp and salmon production, and the top aquaculture producing countries as well as an analysis of the growing trend toward farmed fish. It shows that:

• Asia and the Pacific region dominate global aquaculture production, accounting for more than 90 percent. China is by far the world leader with more than 45 million tons produced in 2006 -- about 70 percent of global output.
• Most of the stocks of the top 10 fished species are being fully fished or are overexploited.
• Aquaculture growth continues to far outpace all other animal food sectors, with average annual rates of 8.6 percent over three decades, compared to 2.8 percent for meat production during the same period.
• Projections indicate that seafood demand will continue to grow along with population and incomes, especially as people in developing countries increase their overall consumption of animal products.

Historically, most of the world�s aquaculture has focused on species that are relatively low on the food chain, including seaweeds, shellfish, and herbivorous or omnivorous species like carp. But recent trends indicate that stronger growth rates in carnivorous species like shrimp and salmon will continue as demand increases. This has led to environmental and health concerns that must be addressed for seafood production to play a vital role in addressing food security and meeting development goals.

Read the Vital Signs Update: Fish Farming Continues to Grow as World Fisheries Stagnate

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