175 Core Indicators of The FAO State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture
1. Official UN Source Consolidation
The 175 FAO SOFIA indicators are compiled directly from the official Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) flagship publication, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024. This dataset represents the definitive global evidence base for aquatic food systems, synthesized from national statistics of over 230 countries and cross-verified with Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs). By integrating indicators from the SDG 14 (Life Below Water) framework, this collection provides the verified metrics necessary for high-level international policy and governance.
2. Open-Source Integrated Framework for Research and Education
To support the academic community, this indicator set operates within an Open-Source Integrated Framework. By utilizing standardized FAO methodologies (such as those found in FishStatJ), researchers and educators can access a transparent, "research-ready" dataset. This framework is designed to facilitate comparative studies across different years and regions, allowing for the modeling of climate impacts, biodiversity trends, and economic shifts. It serves as a foundational pedagogical tool for training the next generation of aquatic scientists and resource managers.
3. Conducting Global Social Responsibility
Beyond industrial statistics, these 175 indicators are a primary tool for Conducting Global Social Responsibility. The framework explicitly monitors the "Social Pillar" of the Blue Transformation, tracking metrics related to:
Human Rights & Labor: Assessing the working conditions of the 61.8 million people in the primary sector.
Gender Equity: Highlighting that women make up 62% of the processing workforce but face significant wage gaps.
Equitable Livelihoods: Ensuring small-scale fishers (SDG 14.b) have secure access to resources and markets.
Strategic Overview of the 175 Indicators
| Dimension | Focus Area | 2026 Objective |
| Pillar 1: Biological | Stock Status & Biodiversity | To reverse the trend of the 37.7% of stocks currently fished at unsustainable levels. |
| Pillar 2: Economic | Trade & Value Chains | To optimize the USD 400+ Billion sector for global food security. |
| Pillar 3: Social | Nutrition & Equity | To provide 20% of animal protein to 3.3 billion people, focusing on the most vulnerable. |
FAO SOFIA - Integration Indicator Framework
| Category | Indicator Name |
| Production | 1. Total Fisheries and Aquaculture Production |
| 2. Total Production of Aquatic Animals | |
| 3. Total Production of Algae (Seaweed) | |
| 4. Marine Capture Fisheries Production | |
| 5. Inland Capture Fisheries Production | |
| 6. Marine Aquaculture Production | |
| 7. Inland Aquaculture Production | |
| 8. Total First-sale Value of Sector | |
| Sustainability | 9. Marine Stocks within Biologically Sustainable Levels |
| 10. Maximally Sustainably Fished Stocks | |
| 11. Overfished (Unsustainable) Stocks | |
| 12. Sustainably Fished Stocks (Weighted by Production) | |
| 13. Sustainability of Major Tuna Stocks | |
| 14. Inland Water Basin Pressure Index | |
| Fleet | 15. Global Fishing Fleet Size (Total Vessels) |
| 16. Share of Motorized vs. Non-motorized Vessels | |
| 17. Fleet Distribution by Length (LOA <12m) | |
| 18. Fleet Distribution by Length (LOA >24m) | |
| Employment | 19. Total Primary Sector Employment |
| 20. Employment in Capture Fisheries | |
| 21. Employment in Aquaculture | |
| 22. Women’s Share of Primary Sector Employment | |
| 23. Women’s Share of Post-harvest/Processing | |
| Consumption | 24. Total Apparent Consumption of Aquatic Foods |
| 25. Global Per Capita Consumption | |
| 26. Aquatic Animal Protein Contribution to Total Animal Protein | |
| 27. Utilization for Human Consumption (Food Use) | |
| 28. Utilization for Non-food Uses (Fishmeal/Fish Oil) | |
| Trade | 29. Total Export Value of Aquatic Products |
| 30. Total Export Volume (Live Weight Equivalent) | |
| 31. FAO Fish Price Index (FPI) | |
| 32. Net Trade Value for Developing Nations | |
| Policy | 33. Progress on IUU Fishing Instruments (SDG 14.6.1) |
| 34. Small-Scale Fisheries Access Rights (SDG 14.b.1) |
| Category | Indicator Name |
| Sustainability (Inland) | 35. Health of Inland Water Basins (Pressure Index) |
| 36. Percentage of Major Basins under Low/Moderate/High Pressure | |
| Utilization/Waste | 37. Percentage of Total Production for Direct Human Consumption |
| 38. Use of By-products for Fishmeal and Fish Oil | |
| 39. Estimated Post-harvest Loss and Waste (Percentage) | |
| Projections (2032) | 40. Projected Total Aquatic Animal Production by 2032 |
| 41. Projected Aquaculture Growth Rate (to 2032) | |
| 42. Projected Per Capita Consumption in 2032 | |
| Regional Outlook | 43. Regional Growth Trends: Africa vs. Global Average |
| 44. Concentration of Aquaculture Production (Top 10 Countries) | |
| Blue Transformation | 45. Strategic Target for Sustainable Aquaculture Expansion |
| 46. Strategic Target for Effective Fishery Management (100% target) | |
| 47. Implementation Rate of Value Chain Upgrades | |
| Climate & Diversity | 48. Impact of El Niño on Global Marine Production |
| 49. Climate Change Vulnerability of Aquatic Systems | |
| 50. Diversity of Aquatic Species Produced (Aquaculture vs. Capture) |
| Category | Indicator Name |
| Data Quality | 51. National Reporting Quality Score (QA Level 1 & 2) |
| 52. Number of Species Items in Capture Fisheries Dataset | |
| 53. Number of Species Items in Aquaculture Dataset | |
| Sustainability | 54. Sustainable Fisheries Contribution to GDP (SDG 14.7.1) |
| 55. Share of Main Species Groups in Global Export Value | |
| 56. Implementation Rate of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) | |
| Blue Transformation | 57. Adoption Rate of Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA) |
| 58. Number of Species Groups with Traceability/Certification Systems | |
| 59. Level of Integration of Aquatic Foods in National Food Security Policies | |
| 60. Participation Rate in the FISHINFO Network |
| Category | Indicator Name |
| Sustainability (SDG 14) | 61. Sustainable Fisheries as a Percentage of GDP (SDG 14.7.1) |
| 62. Number of Countries Reporting on SDG 14.4.1 (Stock Status) | |
| 63. Countries with Maritime Coastlines Failing Quality Assurance (QA) | |
| Blue Transformation | 64. Target for 100% Effective Fishery Management Coverage |
| 65. Number of Countries with National Plans of Action for SSF (NPOAs-SSF) | |
| 66. Adoption of the Global Plan of Action for Aquatic Genetic Resources | |
| Biosecurity & Health | 67. Implementation of Progressive Management Pathway (PMP) for Biosecurity |
| 68. Global Levels of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Monitoring in Aquaculture | |
| 69. Number of Species with Welfare Guidelines (Finfish/Crustaceans) | |
| Environment | 70. Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Anomalies in Fishing Areas |
| 71. Impact of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Aquaculture Infrastructure | |
| 72. Total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions per Tonne of Production | |
| Value Chain | 73. Level of Integration of Aquatic Foods in School Feeding Programs |
| 74. Number of Regional Aquaculture Networks (e.g., ANAF, RAA) | |
| 75. Digitalization Index: Use of Blockchain/Electronic Monitoring in Trade |
| Category | Indicator Name |
| Utilization & Waste | 76. Quantity of Aquatic Animals Utilized for Reduction (Fishmeal/Oil) |
| 77. Share of Non-Food Use derived from Processing By-products | |
| 78. Global Loss and Waste Rates in Small-Scale vs. Industrial Chains | |
| 79. Share of Fishmeal used in Aquaculture vs. Livestock Sectors | |
| Nutritional Impact | 80. Average Nutrient Density (Omega-3, Zinc, Iron) in Aquatic Food Supply |
| 81. Contribution of Aquatic Foods to Vitamin B12 and D Intake | |
| 82. Affordability Index of Aquatic Foods compared to Other Animal Proteins | |
| 83. Share of Aquatic Foods in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Diets | |
| Climate Action | 84. Fuel Efficiency Trends in the Global Fishing Fleet |
| 85. Carbon Sequestration Potential of Global Seaweed Farming | |
| 86. Adaptive Capacity Score of Coastal Communities to Climate Shocks | |
| 87. Incidence of Climate-Driven Species Distribution Shifts | |
| Economics & Value | 88. Real Price Trends of Major Aquatic Commodities (Shrimp, Salmon) |
| 89. Economic Multiplier Effect of Primary Aquatic Production | |
| 90. Share of Aquatic Exports in Total National Merchandise Exports | |
| 91. Investment Gap for Achieving 2030 Blue Transformation Goals | |
| Resource Management | 92. Number of Stocks under "Rebuilding Plans" Globally |
| 93. Capacity Building Activities for SDG 14.4.1 Reporting | |
| 94. Compliance Levels with CITES for Endangered Aquatic Species | |
| 95. Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Fisheries Recovery | |
| Future Outlook | 96. Projected Production Surplus/Deficit by 2050 (Scenario Analysis) |
| 97. Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Fishery Monitoring and Control | |
| 98. Development of Alternative Feeds (Insects/Microbes) for Aquaculture | |
| 99. Progress in Reducing Plastic Pollution from Fishing Gear (ALDFG) | |
| 100. Global Index of Aquatic Food Systems Resilience |
| Category | Indicator Name |
| Blue Transformation | 101. Total Investment in Blue Transformation Projects (USD) |
| 102. Level of Adoption of the GSA (Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture) | |
| 103. Percentage of Fisheries with Active Rebuilding Plans | |
| 104. Number of Countries with Formalized Blue Economy Strategies | |
| Science & Tech | 105. Proportion of Stocks Assessed using "Data-Limited" Methodologies |
| 106. Deployment Rate of Electronic Monitoring (EM) Systems on Large Vessels | |
| 107. Number of Open-Access Aquatic Genetic Resource Databases | |
| 108. Adoption of Precision Aquaculture Technologies (IoT/Sensors) | |
| Governance | 109. Number of Parties to the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) |
| 110. Compliance Rate with RFMO (Regional Fishery Management Org) Regulations | |
| 111. Transparency Index: Public Availability of Vessel Registry Data | |
| 112. National Progress on the FAO Agreement on Land-based Pollution | |
| Socio-Economic | 113. Aquatic Food Affordability Index for Low-Income Households |
| 114. Average Wage Gap Between Men and Women in the Processing Sector | |
| 115. Percentage of Small-Scale Fishers with Access to Formal Credit | |
| 116. Impact of Social Protection Programs on Fishing Communities | |
| Biodiversity | 117. Incidental Catch (Bycatch) Rates of ETP Species (Endangered/Threatened) |
| 118. Area of Restored Mangroves and Seagrass Beds (Ha) | |
| 119. Number of Invasive Aquatic Species with National Control Plans | |
| 120. Marine Biodiversity Index in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) |
| Category | Indicator Name |
| Sustainability & Management | 121. Number of Stocks with Active "Rebuilding Plans" |
| 122. Catch Volume from Stocks with Formal Management Plans | |
| 123. Ratio of Harvested vs. Harvestable Biomass in Major Basins | |
| 124. Global Progress on Reducing Discards (Discard Rates) | |
| Legal & Regulatory | 125. ALART Score (Aquaculture Legal Assessment & Revision Tool) |
| 126. Number of Countries with Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) | |
| 127. Adherence to the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries | |
| 128. National Legislation Quality for Aquatic Animal Welfare | |
| Trade & Markets | 129. Value of Intra-Regional Trade in Aquatic Products |
| 130. Share of Certified (Eco-labeled) Products in Global Retail | |
| 131. Tariffs and Non-Tariff Barriers Index for Aquatic Foods | |
| 132. Market Share of Emerging Species (e.g., Tilapia, Bivalves) | |
| Blue Transformation | 133. Growth Rate of Aquaculture in Underutilized Regions (Africa/LDCs) |
| 134. Number of "Blue Transformation" Pilot Projects Globally | |
| 135. Capacity Building Hours provided for SDG 14 Implementation | |
| 136. Level of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Aquatic Food Systems | |
| Nutrition & Food Security | 137. Post-Harvest Nutrient Retention Rates (Bioavailability) |
| 138. Inclusion of Fish in National "School Fruit and Vegetable" Equivalent Programs | |
| 139. Percent of Food Aid containing Fortified Aquatic Products | |
| 140. Consumption Gap between Urban and Rural Fishing Communities | |
| Technology & Science | 141. Proportion of National Research Budgets allocated to Aquatic Science |
| 142. Availability of Open-Access Satellite Data for Vessel Tracking | |
| 143. Number of New Aquatic Species Domesticated for Aquaculture | |
| 144. Use of Alternative Ingredients (Insects/Algae) in Fish Feed | |
| Environmental Health | 145. Marine Plastic Litter (ALDFG) Recovery Volume |
| 146. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions per kg of Protein (Species Specific) | |
| 147. Impact of Ocean Acidification on Shellfish Calcification Rates | |
| 148. Frequency of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) impacting Production | |
| Future Projections | 149. Estimated Demand for Aquatic Foods by 2050 (9.7 Billion Population) |
| 150. Projected Share of "Cell-Based" or Synthetic Aquatic Foods by 2035 |
| Category | Indicator Name |
| Sustainability (SDG 14) | 151. Number of High-Quality Stock Assessment Questionnaires (QA Level 2) |
| 152. Regional Recurrence Rate of SDG 14.4.1 Reporting | |
| 153. Number of New Pacific SIDS Reporting on Stock Status | |
| 154. Integration Score of Indicator 14.4.1 with 14.7.1 (GDP contribution) | |
| Blue Transformation | 155. Adoption of the Global Plan of Action for Aquatic Genetic Resources |
| 156. Number of Countries Implementing National Plans of Action for SSF | |
| 157. Progress on the FAO Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) | |
| 158. Level of Stakeholder Engagement in Blue Transformation Roadmaps | |
| Climate & Environment | 159. Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Anomaly Impacts on Local Stocks |
| 160. Carbon Footprint of Inland vs. Marine Aquaculture Systems | |
| 161. Frequency of Extreme El Niño Events affecting Marine Production | |
| 162. Estimated GHG Emission Reductions from Improved Feed Conversion | |
| Utilization & Waste | 163. Percentage of Whole Tuna Discards in Industrial Canning |
| 164. Biotechnical Applications of Aquatic By-products (Chitin/Collagen) | |
| 165. Share of Fish Oil used in Pharmaceutical vs. Aquafeed Sectors | |
| 166. Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Food Loss Reduction | |
| Trade & Economy | 167. Share of Intra-regional Trade in Aquatic Animal Foods |
| 168. Price Volatility Index for Staple Species (Tilapia/Carp) | |
| 169. Number of Bilateral Trade Agreements with Fishery-specific Clauses | |
| 170. Share of Aquatic Food Exports in Total Agricultural Trade | |
| Social & Equity | 171. Percent of Women in Leadership Roles in Fisheries Organizations |
| 172. Adoption of Social Sustainability Guidelines in Value Chains | |
| 173. Youth Employment Growth in the Aquaculture Sector | |
| 174. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Compliance Rates | |
| Technology | 175. Digitalization Index: Adoption of Blockchain for Traceability |
Source of Data and Methodology: FAO SOFIA 2024
The data for these indicators is primarily sourced from the FAO Global Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics Database, which is compiled through annual submissions from over 200 countries and territories. To ensure the highest level of accuracy, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) cross-references national reports with secondary data from Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs), international trade records (such as those from the World Trade Organization and UN Comtrade), and satellite-based vessel monitoring systems. For biological indicators, such as the status of marine fish stocks (SDG 14.4.1), the FAO employs a rigorous peer-review process involving a network of global scientists who analyze catch data, biomass assessments, and fishing effort across 500+ individual stocks. This comprehensive monitoring framework, now integrated into the Blue Transformation initiative, allows for the tracking of long-term trends while providing a transparent, science-based foundation for global aquatic food policy.