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Aquaculture Boom: Farmed Fish and Seaweed Production Reaches New Heights in 2023

Aquaculture, the farming of aquatic animals and plants, is growing at an unprecedented pace—reshaping global seafood consumption and offering a sustainable solution to overfishing. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global production of farmed aquatic animals hit 99 million tonnes in 2023—five times more than in the early 1990s.

This surge in aquaculture is transforming the seafood industry. With wild fish stocks declining, farmed fish and seaweed are becoming essential sources of protein for millions worldwide.


📈 Aquaculture Outpaces Wild-Capture Fisheries

Since 2022, farmed seafood production has steadily overtaken traditional fishing in many parts of the world. However, the trend varies significantly between species:

  • Carp and Tilapia, both fast-growing freshwater fish, dominated the market in 2023.
  • In contrast, herring and sardines—which are still mainly wild-caught—grow slowly and are less economically viable for farming.

Thierry Laugier, a marine researcher at Ifremer (France’s national institute for ocean science and technology), explains that fish farmers prioritize species that are easy to manage and reproduce in captivity. “We know how to control the aging and reproduction cycle, even using hormones when necessary,” he said.


🐟 Atlantic Salmon Leads in Europe

In Europe, Atlantic salmon remains the most widely farmed fish. In 2023, salmon farming yielded 1.9 million tonnes, with 99% of the supply coming from aquaculture.

Salmon’s predictable growth cycle and high demand make it an ideal candidate for intensive aquaculture. However, researchers continue to explore the environmental impacts of salmon farming and advocate for more sustainable practices.


🌏 Asia: The Global Aquaculture Powerhouse

Asia continues to lead the world in aquaculture, accounting for 92% of global farmed aquatic production—both animals and plants. The region produced a staggering 136 million tonnes under controlled, manmade conditions in 2023.

Much of this dominance comes from cultural traditions and historical practices. “Carp has been farmed in Asia for thousands of years,” said Laugier. These time-tested systems contribute to Asia’s success in large-scale fish farming.


🪸 Seaweed: The Unsung Hero of Global Aquaculture

While relatively unknown in Western diets, seaweed plays a vital role in global aquaculture, making up nearly one-third of total production.

  • 38 million tonnes of seaweed were harvested in 2023, mostly in Asia.
  • Seaweed is primarily used in industries such as food (e.g., jellies), pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Beyond its industrial value, seaweed offers substantial environmental benefits:

  • It absorbs carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and harmful pollutants from the water.
  • It requires no fertilizers or fresh water.
  • It supports marine biodiversity and combats ocean acidification.

“In ecological terms, farming macroalgae is more sustainable than farming salmon,” Laugier added.


🌊 The Future of Sustainable Seafood

As wild fish populations decline due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution, aquaculture is becoming essential to meet global seafood demand. With the rapid rise of fish and seaweed farming, experts call for innovations that ensure ecological balance, food security, and economic growth.

Whether it’s farmed carp from Asia, Atlantic salmon from Europe, or eco-friendly seaweed, aquaculture is shaping the future of sustainable seafood.

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