World fisheries and aquaculture production has reached an all-time high, with aquaculture surpassing capture fisheries in the production of aquatic animals for the first time, according to the latest report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The 2024 edition of “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture” (SOFIA) provides a comprehensive analysis of global trends, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to meet rising demands and address food security challenges.
AQUACULTURE SURPASSES CAPTURE FISHERIES
In 2022, global fisheries and aquaculture production surged to 223.2 million tonnes, marking a 4.4% increase from 2020. Notably, aquaculture reached an unprecedented 130.9 million tonnes, surpassing capture fisheries as the leading source of aquatic animals. This milestone underscores the sector’s potential to meet the rising global demand for aquatic foods.
REGIONAL DOMINANCE AND THE NEED FOR EXPANSION
Currently, ten countries dominate aquaculture production, accounting for over 89.8% of the total output. These countries include China, Indonesia, India, Viet Nam, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Norway, Egypt, and Chile. Despite this concentration, many low-income countries in Africa and Asia have yet to fully realize their aquaculture potential. Targeted policies, technology transfer, and responsible investment are crucial to boosting sustainable aquaculture in these regions, particularly in Africa.
RISING CONSUMPTION OF AQUATIC FOODS
The global consumption of aquatic animal foods continues to rise, reaching 162.5 million tonnes in 2021. This figure highlights the sector’s critical role in tackling food insecurity and malnutrition. Since 1961, global per capita annual consumption has nearly doubled, growing from 9.1 kg to 20.7 kg in 2022.
NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS
Aquatic foods provide high-quality proteins and essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. In 2021, they contributed at least 20% of the per capita protein supply from all animal sources for 3.2 billion people, emphasizing their importance in global diets.
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN CAPTURE FISHERIES
Global capture fisheries production has remained stable since the late 1980s, producing 92.3 million tonnes in 2022. However, the proportion of marine stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels decreased to 62.3% in 2021, down from 64.6% in 2017. This decline underscores the need for effective fisheries management to facilitate stock recovery and sustain catches.
FUTURE PROJECTIONS AND CHALLENGES
The FAO projects a 10% increase in aquatic animal production by 2032, reaching 205 million tonnes. This growth will be driven by both aquaculture expansion and the recovery of capture fisheries. Global apparent consumption is expected to rise by 12%, averaging 21.3 kg per capita by 2032.
REGIONAL DISPARITIES
Despite overall growth, per capita consumption in Africa is projected to decline due to population growth outpacing production increases. This trend is particularly concerning for sub-Saharan Africa, where many countries rely on aquatic foods for essential nutrients.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS
Fisheries and aquaculture provide livelihoods for millions, with 61.8 million people employed in the primary sector in 2022. However, this figure represents a decline from 62.8 million in 2020. Women comprise 24% of the workforce but represent 62% in the processing subsector, highlighting ongoing gender inequality issues.
GENDER INEQUALITY
Gender disparities in wages, recognition, and exposure to gender-based violence persist in the sector. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring equitable and sustainable development.
The 2024 SOFIA report by FAO highlights the significant achievements in global fisheries and aquaculture production while emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. The sector’s continued growth offers immense potential to address food insecurity and malnutrition. However, it also presents challenges that require targeted policies, effective management, and inclusive practices to ensure long-term sustainability and equitable benefits.
FAQS
What was the key finding of the 2024 SOFIA report?
The 2024 SOFIA report revealed that global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a record high in 2022, with aquaculture surpassing capture fisheries in the production of aquatic animals for the first time.
Which countries dominate global aquaculture production?
China, Indonesia, India, Viet Nam, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Norway, Egypt, and Chile dominate global aquaculture production, accounting for over 89.8% of the total output.
What are the nutritional benefits of aquatic foods?
Aquatic foods provide high-quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, contributing significantly to global diets and food security.
What challenges does the capture fisheries sector face?
The capture fisheries sector faces challenges in maintaining sustainable stocks, with the proportion of biologically sustainable marine stocks decreasing to 62.3% in 2021. Effective management is needed to reverse this trend.
What are the future projections for global fisheries and aquaculture?
The FAO projects a 10% increase in aquatic animal production by 2032, driven by aquaculture expansion and capture fisheries recovery. However, per capita consumption in Africa is expected to decline, highlighting regional disparities.
What socio-economic issues are present in the fisheries and aquaculture sector?
The sector faces challenges related to gender inequality, with women comprising a significant portion of the workforce but facing disparities in wages and recognition. Addressing these issues is crucial for equitable development.
