Global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a new record of 235 million tonnes in 2024, confirming the sector’s expanding role in feeding a growing global population, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 report.
Key Highlights
Aquatic animal production reached 195 million tonnes and has grown steadily over decades, expanding at an average annual rate of 3.2 percent since 1950.
India produced 9 per cent of the world’s aquatic animals in 2024, making it the second-largest producer globally after China.
India also led the world in inland water catches, producing 2.2 million tonnes from rivers, lakes and freshwater systems, ahead of Bangladesh’s 1.4 million tonnes.
In aquaculture, India ranked second globally for farmed aquatic animals, contributing 12 per cent of total output. Along with China, Indonesia, Viet Nam and Bangladesh, India is part of a five-country bloc that produces 82 per cent of all farmed aquatic animals.
Aquaculture alone reached a record 142 million tonnes, confirming its role as the main driver of growth in aquatic animal production. The top five producing countries (China, Indonesia, India, Viet Nam and Bangladesh) accounted for 84 per cent of this output.
The share of marine fish stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels fell to 62.4 per cent in 2023, down from 64.5 per cent in 2021.
Source: FAO
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