Aquaculture Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, Types (Carp, Mollusks, Salmon, Crustaceans, Others), Applications (Fresh Water, Marine Water, Brackish Water), and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2035

Aquaculture Market Size

The Global Aquaculture Market continues to play a central role in the global food supply as demand for farmed seafood expands across both developed and developing economies. The Global Aquaculture Market size was USD 231.88 Billion in 2025 and is projected to touch USD 247.23 Billion in 2026, increase further to USD 263.60 Billion in 2027, and reach USD 440.20 Billion by 2035, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.62% during the forecast period [2026-2035]. Aquaculture contributes more than 55% of total seafood consumed worldwide, with farmed fish supplying close to 17% of global animal protein intake. Productivity improvements, including better feed formulations and selective breeding, have improved output efficiency by nearly 25%, while disease management practices have reduced mortality rates by approximately 15% across organized farms.

The US aquaculture market shows steady structural growth supported by domestic seafood consumption patterns and import substitution efforts. Nearly 70% of seafood consumed in the US is imported, creating room for local aquaculture expansion. Farmed salmon and catfish together account for over 60% of domestic aquaculture output. Adoption of recirculating aquaculture systems has increased by around 35%, helping producers reduce water usage by up to 90%. Consumer preference for traceable and locally produced seafood has grown by almost 40%, supporting long-term market confidence.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Valued at USD 231.88 Billion in 2025, projected to touch $247.23Bn in 2026 and $440.20Bn by 2035 at a CAGR of 6.62%.
• Growth Drivers: Over 55% farmed seafood consumption, 25% productivity improvement, 40% retail demand growth.
• Trends: 35% alternative feed adoption, 30% value-added product launches.
• Key Players: Huon Aquaculture Group Pty Ltd, Cermaq Group AS, Marine Harvest ASA, Thai Union Group Public Company Limited, Tassal Group Limited.
• Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific 55%, Europe 20%, North America 15%, Middle East & Africa 10% share distribution.
• Challenges: 60% feed cost share, 18% energy cost increase.
• Industry Impact: 50% lower feed use than red meat, 90% water savings in closed systems.
• Recent Developments: 22% certification growth, 18% digital efficiency gains.

Unique to the aquaculture market is its ability to scale protein production with lower land use compared to terrestrial farming. Nearly 70% of farms operate on less land footprint while achieving higher protein yields. Integration of algae and shellfish farming improves ecosystem balance, demonstrating aquaculture’s role beyond food production.

Aquaculture Market Trends

The aquaculture market has quietly become one of the most important parts of the global food system. Farmed fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants now account for more than 55% of total seafood consumed worldwide, reflecting a steady shift away from wild catch. Around 62% of global fish production comes from inland and coastal farming systems, showing how controlled environments are replacing open-ocean dependency. Consumer preference for protein-rich diets has pushed fish and seafood consumption up by nearly 30% over the past decade, while capture fisheries have remained almost flat. Feed efficiency improvements have reduced feed conversion ratios by nearly 20%, making aquaculture more resource efficient than many land-based protein sources. Disease-resistant breeds now represent close to 35% of total farmed stock, reducing mortality rates. Technological adoption is also accelerating, with automated feeding and water-quality monitoring systems used by nearly 40% of medium to large farms. These changes highlight a market shaped less by expansion of water area and more by productivity, efficiency, and smarter farming practices.

Aquaculture Market Dynamics

OPPORTUNITY

"Expansion of sustainable aquaculture practices"

Sustainability-focused aquaculture presents a strong opportunity as nearly 48% of consumers now consider environmental impact when purchasing seafood. Recirculating aquaculture systems reduce water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional ponds, while integrated multi-trophic aquaculture can lower waste output by almost 25%. Certification-compliant farms already contribute about 30% of total production volume, indicating room for further adoption. As feed formulations increasingly replace fishmeal with plant-based and algae-derived inputs, dependency on wild fish stocks has declined by approximately 35%, creating space for scalable and environmentally balanced growth.

DRIVERS

"Rising global demand for affordable protein"

Aquaculture benefits from its ability to deliver high-quality protein at lower environmental cost. Fish provides nearly 17% of global animal protein intake, and farmed sources contribute more than half of that share. Compared to red meat, farmed fish production uses about 50% less feed per kilogram of edible protein. Urban population growth has increased demand for consistent seafood supply, with retail and foodservice channels accounting for over 60% of farmed fish distribution. This demand stability continues to push investment toward intensive and semi-intensive farming models.

RESTRAINTS

"Environmental and ecological pressures"

Despite its growth, aquaculture faces constraints linked to environmental concerns. Poorly managed farms contribute to nearly 20% of localized water pollution incidents in coastal zones. Disease outbreaks still cause stock losses of around 15% in some regions, particularly where biosecurity standards are uneven. Public scrutiny of antibiotic use has increased, with more than 40% of consumers expressing concern about chemical residues in farmed seafood. These factors can slow expansion where regulatory oversight is strict or public perception is negative.

CHALLENGE

"Rising input costs and operational complexity"

Operational challenges remain significant, especially for small and mid-sized producers. Feed costs represent nearly 60% of total production expenses, and price volatility can impact margins quickly. Energy use for aeration, temperature control, and water circulation has increased operating costs by approximately 18% in intensive systems. Skilled labor shortages also affect productivity, with around 25% of farms reporting difficulty in maintaining trained staff. These pressures demand better management practices and continued technological support.

Segmentation Analysis

The global Aquaculture Market size was USD 247.23 Billion in 2026 and is projected to grow steadily to USD 263.60 Billion in 2027 and reach USD 440.20 Billion by 2035, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.62% during the forecast period [2026–2035]. Market segmentation reflects differences in water environment and end-use species, each contributing distinct growth dynamics. Water type influences farming methods and cost structures, while application segmentation highlights consumer demand patterns across species categories. Together, these segments show how diversification underpins overall market stability.

By Type

Fresh Water

Fresh water aquaculture dominates global production due to its accessibility and lower infrastructure costs. Nearly 58% of farmed fish originates from rivers, lakes, and inland ponds. Carp and tilapia farming drive this segment, supported by feed efficiency improvements of about 22%. Fresh water systems are widely adopted in developing regions where land availability and local consumption patterns favor inland farming.

Fresh Water held the largest share in the Aquaculture Market, accounting for USD 138.45 Billion in 2026, representing approximately 56% of the total market. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.30% from 2026 to 2035, supported by strong domestic demand and low entry barriers.

Marine Water

Marine water aquaculture focuses on high-value species such as salmon and sea bass. Offshore and nearshore cages contribute about 30% of total aquaculture output. Technological advancements have reduced stock loss rates by nearly 18%, improving profitability. Marine systems benefit from higher price realization but require greater capital investment.

Marine Water accounted for USD 74.17 Billion in 2026, representing close to 30% of the overall market share. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.80% through 2035, driven by premium seafood demand and export-oriented production.

Brackish Water

Brackish water aquaculture primarily supports shrimp and prawn farming. This segment represents around 14% of global aquaculture volume but contributes a higher value share due to export demand. Productivity gains of nearly 20% have been achieved through improved pond management and disease control.

Brackish Water generated approximately USD 34.61 Billion in 2026, accounting for about 14% of the market. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.10% from 2026 to 2035, supported by rising international trade and consumption.

By Application

Carp

Carp remains a staple species in aquaculture, especially in Asia and parts of Europe. It contributes nearly 40% of total farmed fish volume due to its adaptability and low feed requirements. Selective breeding has increased yield per hectare by around 25%, improving farm-level economics.

Carp accounted for USD 98.89 Billion in 2026, representing roughly 40% of the total market. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.10% from 2026 to 2035, supported by consistent consumer demand and affordability.

Mollusks

Mollusk farming, including oysters and mussels, benefits from minimal feed input as these species rely on natural filtration. Mollusks contribute nearly 15% of total aquaculture output and play a role in improving water quality. Production efficiency improvements have increased harvest consistency by about 18%.

Mollusks generated USD 37.08 Billion in 2026, accounting for approximately 15% of market share. The segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.50% through 2035, driven by health-focused consumption trends.

Salmon

Salmon farming is highly industrialized and technology-driven. Although it represents a smaller volume share, it accounts for a significant value portion due to premium pricing. Mortality reduction strategies have lowered losses by nearly 20%, improving supply reliability.

Salmon accounted for USD 49.45 Billion in 2026, representing about 20% of the total market. This segment is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.90% from 2026 to 2035, supported by strong global demand.

Crustaceans

Crustaceans such as shrimp and prawns are among the most traded aquaculture products globally. Export-oriented production accounts for nearly 70% of output. Improved biosecurity measures have reduced disease-related losses by approximately 15%.

Crustaceans contributed USD 44.50 Billion in 2026, representing close to 18% of market share. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.20% through 2035, driven by rising international consumption.

Others

The others category includes tilapia, catfish, and emerging species. These species support diversification and risk management for producers. Combined, they contribute around 7% of total aquaculture value, with growing acceptance in retail channels.

Others accounted for USD 17.31 Billion in 2026, representing roughly 7% of the total market. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.40% from 2026 to 2035, supported by experimentation and niche demand.

Aquaculture Market Regional Outlook

The aquaculture market demonstrates strong regional variation shaped by dietary habits, water resource availability, and production infrastructure. The Global Aquaculture Market size was USD 231.88 Billion in 2025 and is projected to touch USD 247.23 Billion in 2026 and USD 263.60 Billion in 2027, reaching USD 440.20 Billion by 2035, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.62% during the forecast period [2026-2035]. Regional market shares reflect production concentration, consumption intensity, and export orientation, together accounting for the entire global market distribution.

North America

North America maintains a stable position in the aquaculture market, supported by advanced farming technologies and strict quality standards. Nearly 45% of aquaculture production in the region comes from freshwater systems, while marine farming contributes around 40%. Consumer preference for sustainably farmed seafood has risen by approximately 50%, driving certification adoption. North America accounted for about 15% of the global aquaculture market share, supported by strong retail demand and consistent investment in controlled farming environments.

North America held approximately 15% of the total market share in 2026, reflecting steady consumption and productivity gains across salmon, catfish, and shellfish farming operations.

Europe

Europe’s aquaculture market is shaped by regulatory compliance and a focus on environmental sustainability. Marine aquaculture represents nearly 55% of regional output, dominated by salmon and seabass farming. Organic and eco-labeled seafood products account for almost 30% of farmed fish sales. Europe represented close to 20% of the global aquaculture market share, supported by strong export demand and high per-capita seafood consumption.

Europe accounted for around 20% of the total market share in 2026, driven by premium pricing, technology adoption, and stable regional supply chains.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the aquaculture market due to favorable climatic conditions and strong domestic consumption. The region contributes nearly 70% of global aquaculture production volume, with freshwater farming accounting for over 60%. Carp, tilapia, and shrimp farming remain core activities, supported by labor availability and local feed production. Asia-Pacific represented approximately 55% of the global market share, making it the largest regional contributor.

Asia-Pacific held about 55% of the global aquaculture market share in 2026, reflecting its role as both the largest producer and consumer of farmed seafood.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region shows gradual expansion in aquaculture, supported by food security initiatives and coastal farming projects. Marine aquaculture contributes nearly 65% of regional output, while freshwater systems are expanding in inland areas. Fish consumption has increased by almost 20% over the past decade. The region accounted for roughly 10% of the global aquaculture market share.

Middle East & Africa represented close to 10% of the total market share in 2026, supported by infrastructure development and rising protein demand.

List of Key Aquaculture Market Companies Profiled

Investment Analysis and Opportunities in Aquaculture Market

Investment activity in the aquaculture market is increasingly focused on efficiency, sustainability, and scalability. Nearly 42% of recent investments target recirculating aquaculture systems, reflecting interest in water-efficient farming. Private equity participation has grown by approximately 28%, particularly in technology-driven farms. Feed innovation attracts close to 35% of research funding, aimed at reducing fishmeal dependency. Emerging markets account for almost 45% of new farm capacity additions, driven by population growth and rising protein demand. These investment patterns highlight long-term confidence in aquaculture as a resilient food production system.

New Products Development

Product development in aquaculture emphasizes nutrition, sustainability, and consumer trust. Functional feeds enriched with probiotics now account for nearly 30% of new feed formulations. Ready-to-cook and value-added seafood products represent about 40% of recent product launches, catering to urban lifestyles. Disease-resistant fingerlings make up nearly 25% of newly introduced stock varieties. Packaging innovations that extend shelf life have reduced post-harvest losses by around 15%, supporting supply chain efficiency.

Recent Developments

• Expansion of offshore cage farming improved production capacity by nearly 12%, reducing coastal congestion and improving water quality management.

• Adoption of digital monitoring systems increased feed efficiency by approximately 18%, supporting cost control and output stability.

• Introduction of alternative protein feeds reduced fishmeal usage by almost 35%, supporting sustainable sourcing practices.

• Enhanced biosecurity protocols lowered disease incidence by around 15%, improving survival rates across intensive farms.

• Growth of certification-compliant farms increased traceable seafood supply by nearly 22%, responding to consumer transparency demands.

Report Coverage

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the aquaculture market, covering production systems, species segmentation, and regional performance. The analysis evaluates nearly 100% of major farming environments, including freshwater, marine, and brackish water systems. Species coverage accounts for over 90% of farmed seafood volume, offering insights into carp, salmon, mollusks, crustaceans, and emerging species. Regional analysis captures consumption and production patterns across all major markets, collectively representing the full global market share. The report also assesses investment trends, technology adoption rates exceeding 40% in advanced farms, and sustainability metrics influencing more than 50% of purchasing decisions. Competitive analysis reviews leading companies responsible for over 60% of organized production, highlighting strategic priorities and operational efficiency benchmarks.