Sustainable Seafood Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Bivalves, Molluscs & Aquatic Invertebrates, Cephalopods, Crustaceans, Salmonids, Tuna and Tuna-like Species, Others) , Applications (Supermarkets, Open Markets, Hypermarkets, Fish Shops, Others) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Sustainable Seafood Market Size

The global sustainable seafood market size was USD 12.04 billion in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 12.37 billion in 2025, reaching USD 15.43 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period 2025-2033. This growth is driven by rising consumer preference for eco-certified seafood, advancements in traceability technology, and supportive government regulations encouraging responsible fishing and aquaculture.

The US sustainable seafood market accounts for approximately 25% of the global share, with about 60% of seafood consumed being certified sustainable and nearly 70% of major retailers and foodservice operators adopting sustainable sourcing policies to align with consumer expectations and environmental standards.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Valued at 12.37bn in 2025, expected to reach 15.43bn by 2033, growing at a CAGR 2.8%.
• Growth Drivers: 55% certified demand, 45% aquaculture sustainability adoption, 35% traceability technology adoption.
• Trends: 30% plant-based seafood growth, 35% eco-packaging rise, 40% retail sustainable sourcing expansion.
• Key Players: Thai Union Group PCL, Mowi ASA, Maruha Nichiro, Trident Seafoods, Clearwater Seafoods
• Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific 32%, North America 30%, Europe 28%, Middle East & Africa 10% with certified supply chain growth.
• Challenges: 30% supply chain complexity, 25% limited certified stock, 20% certification cost pressures.
• Industry Impact: 40% stronger compliance, 35% higher consumer awareness, 30% improved transparency.
• Recent Developments: 40% certified product growth, 35% plant-based launches, 30% tech adoption, 25% packaging innovation, 20% partnerships.

The Sustainable Seafood Market market is evolving as a critical response to global concerns over overfishing, ecosystem damage, and ethical food sourcing. Sustainable seafood involves practices that ensure fish stocks are maintained at healthy levels and the environmental impacts of fishing and farming are minimized. The Sustainable Seafood Market market is driven by increasing consumer awareness, government regulations, and pressure on retailers to ensure traceable and responsibly-sourced seafood. In 2024, over 17% of seafood products globally were certified sustainable, highlighting the growth trajectory of the Sustainable Seafood Market market as demand for ethical food options accelerates.

Sustainable Seafood Market Market Trends

The Sustainable Seafood Market market is witnessing significant transformation due to shifting consumer preferences, policy changes, and traceability technologies. In 2024, more than 45% of U.S. consumers reported willingness to pay more for certified sustainable seafood, marking a 12% increase from 2021. The growing adoption of blockchain in the Sustainable Seafood Market market is enabling improved traceability, with over 30 seafood brands integrating such technologies by late 2023. The aquaculture sector is also aligning with sustainability protocols—roughly 70% of farmed salmon in Norway is now certified by global sustainability standards. Additionally, supermarket chains in the UK have committed to 100% sustainably sourced seafood offerings, with Tesco and Sainsbury’s increasing their certified products by 20% in 2024. The global retail sector is playing a pivotal role in setting sourcing benchmarks, with over 400 retail brands committing to sustainability certifications like MSC and ASC. Eco-labels and consumer awareness are now pivotal to brand competitiveness in the Sustainable Seafood Market market. Moreover, a significant rise in online seafood platforms has brought traceable, sustainably harvested products to direct-to-consumer models, contributing to rising transparency and availability.

Sustainable Seafood Market Market Dynamics

The dynamics of the Sustainable Seafood Market market are shaped by consumer preferences, ecological sustainability, governmental mandates, and evolving supply chains. With growing demand for transparency and ethical sourcing, businesses are compelled to revise their procurement strategies. Certification bodies such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) are expanding their global presence, certifying thousands of fisheries and farms. The Sustainable Seafood Market market is also influenced by geopolitical factors such as trade regulations and maritime policies. The emergence of digital supply chain technologies like blockchain and RFID tagging is revolutionizing product traceability. Simultaneously, strategic collaborations between NGOs, governments, and private players are enabling faster implementation of sustainable practices in seafood production and distribution.

 

Market Restraints

RESTRAINT: High cost of certification and compliance remains a barrier in the Sustainable Seafood Market market. Small-scale fisheries and aquaculture farms face financial and logistical challenges in meeting stringent certification standards. In 2023, studies revealed that over 60% of artisanal fishers in Southeast Asia were unable to afford full certification processes due to limited funding. Certification-related costs can range between USD 15,000 to USD 100,000 annually, depending on the size and nature of operations. Additionally, compliance with standards like traceability, eco-labelling, and biodiversity preservation requires extensive documentation, technology upgrades, and third-party audits. These limitations hinder widespread adoption, particularly in developing economies, affecting market inclusivity.

 

Market Challenges

CHALLENGE: Limited availability of certified seafood in emerging markets poses a significant obstacle in the Sustainable Seafood Market market. In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, the supply of sustainably certified seafood remains below 15%, due to lack of awareness, infrastructure, and institutional support. Distribution logistics in coastal areas without advanced cold chain systems further hinder the delivery of certified products. In India, for instance, only 4% of seafood exports were certified sustainable in 2024, largely due to low adoption among fishery cooperatives. Moreover, language barriers and limited training programs make it difficult for local producers to understand and implement global certification requirements, impeding broader market penetration.

Segmentation Analysis

The Sustainable Seafood Market market is segmented based on type and application, allowing for a granular analysis of consumption patterns and growth potential. By type, the market includes wild-caught and farmed (aquaculture) seafood, each with unique supply chain requirements and sustainability metrics. By application, the Sustainable Seafood Market caters to retail, foodservice, and institutional sectors such as hospitality and healthcare. In 2024, the retail segment accounted for a dominant share due to higher consumer awareness and availability of certified products in supermarkets. Meanwhile, foodservice providers increasingly offer sustainable seafood menus, driven by demand from environmentally conscious diners. The institutional sector is also aligning with sustainable sourcing mandates in countries with strict public procurement guidelines.

By Type

• Wild-Caught Sustainable Seafood: In 2024, wild-caught sustainable seafood contributed to 48% of total sustainable seafood sales globally. Fisheries operating under quota-based and ecosystem-based management systems are key suppliers in this segment. Alaskan salmon and North Atlantic cod are top wild-caught species with MSC certification. Advanced vessel monitoring systems are helping improve transparency in open-ocean fishing. However, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains a concern, especially in developing maritime zones. As a result, regional fishery management organizations (RFMOs) are expanding surveillance to maintain sustainability compliance in wild catch production. Europe and North America dominate this segment due to stronger regulatory frameworks.
• Farmed Sustainable Seafood (Aquaculture): The aquaculture segment holds 52% of the Sustainable Seafood Market market by volume in 2024. Certified farmed seafood includes shrimp, tilapia, catfish, and salmon, with standards regulated by ASC and GlobalG.A.P. Norway leads with 97% of its salmon farms certified sustainable. Southeast Asia has also witnessed rapid adoption of responsible aquaculture practices, particularly in Vietnam and Thailand. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and low-impact feed technologies are helping farms reduce water usage and waste discharge. Innovations like probiotic feeding and multi-trophic aquaculture are emerging trends that ensure environmental harmony while boosting yield efficiency in sustainable aquaculture operations.

By Application

• Retail Sector: In 2024, the retail sector accounted for 55% of the Sustainable Seafood Market market. Supermarket chains have introduced in-house sustainability standards to guide seafood procurement. Over 300 global retailers now offer exclusively certified seafood options across frozen, fresh, and canned categories. Consumer-facing initiatives like QR codes, ocean score labels, and eco-ratings have become common in Europe and North America, improving buyer education. Tesco reported a 30% YoY increase in sales of certified seafood products in 2024. High-end grocery stores are also driving premium offerings in organic and eco-certified seafood varieties, creating further diversification in the Sustainable Seafood Market market.
• Foodservice and Hospitality: Foodservice outlets—including restaurants, hotels, and institutional kitchens—made up 30% of the Sustainable Seafood Market market share in 2024. Michelin-starred restaurants and quick service restaurants (QSRs) alike are committing to sustainability sourcing pledges. For example, over 250 hotel chains globally now offer menus with traceable, sustainable seafood. Cruise lines and airlines are also incorporating sustainability requirements into their onboard menus. As the demand for ethical dining grows, menu transparency and sustainability certifications have become key differentiation factors in competitive foodservice environments.

Sustainable Seafood Market Regional Outlook

The sustainable seafood market shows distinct regional dynamics influenced by consumer demand, sustainability policies, and supply chain developments. Asia-Pacific leads with about 32% of the global market, driven by significant seafood consumption and rising sustainability adoption in countries like China, Japan, and Australia. North America accounts for around 30%, with strong traceability systems and a high preference for certified seafood. Europe holds close to 28%, supported by strict regulations and widespread certification compliance. The Middle East and Africa collectively contribute approximately 10%, with increasing certified imports and expanding sustainable aquaculture initiatives. These regions shape the global competitive landscape and create diverse growth opportunities.

North America

North America represents nearly 30% of the sustainable seafood market, led by the United States and Canada. Certified seafood makes up about 55% of total consumption, reflecting strong demand for eco-labeled products. Aquaculture supplies 40% of sustainable seafood, with wild-capture fisheries contributing 60%. Close to 70% of retail and foodservice operators report sustainable sourcing policies in place. Salmon leads consumption at 50%, followed by tuna at 30% and shellfish at 20%. Fishery improvement programs and traceability systems now cover 65% of seafood supply, strengthening environmental compliance across the region.

Europe

Europe holds about 28% of the global sustainable seafood market share, with strong contributions from Norway, the UK, and Spain. Nearly 60% of seafood consumed is certified sustainable. Aquaculture accounts for 45% of supply, while wild capture makes up 55%. Around 75% of major retailers follow sustainable procurement policies. Salmon represents 40% of sustainable seafood sales, with cod at 35% and mussels at 25%. Around 70% of fisheries participate in certification schemes or fishery improvement initiatives, aligning with regional sustainability goals.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific leads with 32% of the sustainable seafood market, supported by large-scale consumption and growing sustainability efforts. About 50% of seafood consumed is from certified sources. Aquaculture dominates, contributing 60% of sustainable seafood supply, while wild capture represents 40%. Approximately 55% of major retailers and hospitality operators are committed to sustainable sourcing. Tuna, shrimp, and salmon are the most consumed categories at 35%, 30%, and 25% respectively. Around 50% of regional fisheries are engaged in improvement or certification initiatives.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East and Africa contribute roughly 10% of the global sustainable seafood market. Certified seafood accounts for about 40% of regional consumption. Aquaculture supplies 35% of sustainable seafood, with wild-capture fisheries making up 65%. Around 45% of retailers and foodservice providers have implemented sustainable sourcing strategies. Shrimp leads at 40% of consumption, followed by seabass at 35% and tilapia at 25%. Approximately 30% of regional fisheries and aquaculture operations are engaged in certification or improvement programs.

LIST OF KEY Sustainable Seafood Market COMPANIES PROFILED

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the sustainable seafood market are accelerating as demand for eco-certified products and traceable supply chains rises globally. Approximately 45% of investors in the seafood sector now prioritize funding sustainable operations. Nearly 35% of new aquaculture projects initiated in 2023 were designed according to recognized sustainability standards. Technological investments in traceability, including blockchain, accounted for about 25% of digital infrastructure spending in the industry. Around 40% of sustainable seafood operations have secured green financing to support growth and compliance initiatives. Collaborative investments, including joint ventures between private and public sectors, increased by 20% in 2024 to support fishery improvement projects and expand certified supply. The focus on innovation, traceability, and alternative seafood solutions positions the market for substantial growth in responsible and resilient supply chains.

NEW PRODUCTS Development

New product development in the sustainable seafood market is robust, reflecting rising consumer preference for eco-friendly and convenient options. Approximately 30% of new product launches in 2023 displayed eco-certification labels, meeting consumer demand for verified sustainability. Ready-to-eat meals and convenient packaging accounted for 25% of new introductions. Plant-based and hybrid seafood alternatives made up 20% of new product developments, driven by the desire to reduce environmental impact. Around 35% of newly launched sustainable seafood products featured recyclable or compostable packaging, showing a strong commitment to minimizing waste. Nutrient-enriched seafood products, targeting health-conscious consumers, saw a 15% increase in launches, particularly in North America and Europe. These innovations underline the industry’s focus on environmental responsibility, health, and convenience.

Recent Developments by manufacturers in Sustainable Seafood Market

• 40% of producers expanded certified product lines in 2023.

• 30% of manufacturers adopted blockchain-based traceability systems in 2023.
• 35% of companies introduced plant-based or hybrid seafood products in 2024.
• 25% of firms launched eco-friendly packaging solutions in 2024.
• 20% of manufacturers formed partnerships for fishery improvement projects in 2023.

REPORT COVERAGE of Sustainable Seafood Market

The report provides a detailed analysis of the sustainable seafood market, covering global market share, supply dynamics, product trends, and competitive insights. It spans 100% of the global market distribution, showing equal contribution from aquaculture and wild-capture fisheries at 50% each. Around 55% of seafood globally carries eco-certification, while 60% of consumers indicate preference for sustainable products. The report highlights regulatory impacts, with 70% of seafood-producing nations implementing sustainability standards. Approximately 45% of sector funding is directed toward sustainable initiatives. The report helps stakeholders identify growth opportunities in certified supply, technological innovation, and emerging regions, aligning with environmental and market trends.