FAO SOFIA 2024: The Global Value of the Blue Economy
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently released its flagship report, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 (SOFIA). This year’s edition, titled "Blue Transformation in Action," underscores the unprecedented scale of the aquatic food sector and its role as a cornerstone of the global blue economy. For the first time in history, aquaculture has surpassed capture fisheries as the primary source of aquatic animal production, marking a structural shift in how the world secures its "blue" resources.
What is the value of the Blue Economy in the FAO SOFIA 2024 report?
According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, the total first sale value of global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a record USD 472 billion in 2022. Within this, aquaculture production accounted for USD 313 billion, while international trade in aquatic products hit an all-time high of USD 195 billion. These figures reflect a 4.4% increase in total production since 2020, totaling 223.2 million tonnes of aquatic animals and algae.
Global Production Leaders
The following table highlights the dominant players in the aquatic sector as of the 2024 report. These five nations alone are responsible for approximately 59% of the world's total aquatic animal production.
| Country | % of Global Production | Key Sector Strength |
| China | 36% | World leader in both aquaculture and capture fisheries |
| India | 8% | Second-largest aquaculture producer globally |
| Indonesia | 7% | Major contributor to marine capture and seaweed production |
| Viet Nam | 5% | High-value exporter of shrimp and pangasius |
| Peru | 3% | Driven primarily by massive industrial anchoveta fisheries |
Key Pillars of the Blue Transformation
The report highlights three main areas where the blue economy is delivering significant value to the global community:
Production Records: Global aquatic animal production reached 185.4 million tonnes. Combined with algae (37.8 million tonnes), the total output demonstrates the sector's capacity to meet the rising demand for nutrient-dense food.
Livelihood Security: The sector supports the primary livelihoods of an estimated 61.8 million people directly. When including the entire value chain, the blue economy supports approximately 600 million people worldwide.
Nutritional Impact: Aquatic foods now provide 15% of animal protein and 6% of total protein globally. Per capita consumption has risen to a record 20.7 kg.
The Economic Future of Aquatic Foods
The FAO projects that aquatic animal production will grow by another 10% by 2032, reaching 205 million tonnes. This growth is essential to sustain the projected global population of 9.7 billion by 2050. However, the report warns that this expansion must be managed through the "Blue Transformation" roadmap to ensure economic gains do not come at the cost of environmental health, as only 62.3% of marine stocks are currently fished within biologically sustainable levels.
China’s Dominance: Powering the Global Blue Economy
China remains the undisputed titan of the global blue economy, acting as the primary engine for both production and trade. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, China alone is responsible for 36% of the world’s total aquatic animal production. This leadership is driven by a massive domestic aquaculture sector and a sophisticated marine industrial complex that has increasingly integrated technology into ocean management.
What is the value add of China’s Blue Economy?
In 2024, China’s Gross Ocean Product (GOP) surpassed a historic milestone, exceeding 10 trillion yuan (approximately USD 1.4 trillion) for the first time. This represents roughly 7.8% of China's total GDP. Beyond raw volume, China provides immense value-add as the world's leading exporter of aquatic products—accounting for 12% of global export value—and by maintaining a market share of over 50% in global marine engineering equipment and shipbuilding.
China's Economic Contribution by Sector
The "Blue Transformation" in China is not just about fish; it is a diversified economic powerhouse. The Ministry of Natural Resources and FAO data highlight several key high-value areas:
| Sector | Economic Impact / Value Add |
| Aquaculture | Largest in the world; China produces more farmed aquatic food than the rest of the world combined. |
| Marine Manufacturing | Contributes over 30% of the national GOP, led by high-tech shipbuilding and offshore engineering. |
| Emerging Technology | Significant growth in offshore wind power, which saw a 28.2% increase in generation in 2024. |
| Global Trade | China is the top exporter (USD 195B global trade market) and the second-largest importer, stabilizing global supply chains. |
Strategic Shift: From Quantity to Quality
While China has long led in volume, the SOFIA 2024 report and China's 14th Five-Year Plan highlight a shift toward "High-Quality Development." This includes:
Sustainability: Reducing the size of its fishing fleet to allow for stock recovery and meeting the FAO’s 62.3% global sustainability benchmark.
Innovation: Investing in "Smart Ocean" projects, which use big data and AI to monitor aquaculture health and marine environment carrying capacity.
Infrastructure: Approving over 1 trillion yuan in new sea-use projects in 2024 alone to support deep-sea energy and green shipping.
By blending traditional food security with modern marine technology, China’s blue economy value-add extends far beyond its borders, influencing global prices, technology standards, and sustainability practices.
India’s Blue Frontier: Unlocking a High-Growth Value Chain
India has emerged as a powerhouse in the global blue economy, transitioning from traditional fishing to a sophisticated, value-driven maritime sector. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report and India’s own Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the country has solidified its position as the third-largest fish producer and the second-largest aquaculture producer in the world.
What is the value add of India’s Blue Economy?
India’s blue economy currently contributes approximately 4% to the national GDP, supporting over 40 million jobs across its 7,517 km coastline. In the 2024–25 fiscal year, India’s seafood exports reached a record USD 7.45 billion (₹62,408 crore), with frozen shrimp alone accounting for roughly USD 5.17 billion. Strategic investments like the USD 3 billion Maritime Development Fund and the PMMSY scheme are projected to boost the sector's GDP contribution to 10% by 2047.
Sectoral Value Breakdown (2024–2026)
India's blue economy is no longer just about harvesting; it is increasingly focused on infrastructure, logistics, and high-tech marine services.
| Sector | Current Economic Impact | Growth Driver / Initiative |
| Fisheries & Aquaculture | ~1% of national GVA; 19.5M tonnes | PMMSY: Focus on "Blue Revolution" technology. |
| Maritime Trade | 95% of trade volume via sea | Sagarmala Project: Modernizing 800+ port projects. |
| Shipbuilding | Valued at over USD 1.12 billion | Financial Assistance Policy: 12x growth since 2022. |
| Deep Ocean Mission | USD 500M+ initial investment | Deep-sea mining & Biotech: Exploring the 2.37M sq km EEZ. |
Strategic Growth Pillars
India's "Blue Transformation" is built on three key strategies designed to multiply the sector's value:
The "Shrimp King" Status: India is the world’s largest exporter of shrimp. To increase value-add, the government is shifting from exporting raw frozen shrimp to processed, "ready-to-eat" products, which command higher margins in the US and EU markets.
Green Shipping Corridors: As part of its 2026 climate commitments, India is investing in green port infrastructure and "Blue Bonds" to finance sustainable maritime projects, aiming to reduce logistics costs by 25%.
Marine Biotechnology: Under the Deep Ocean Mission, India is exploring non-living resources and marine genes for pharmaceuticals, which is estimated to become a multi-billion dollar sub-sector by the end of the decade.
Challenges to Value Realization
Despite the rapid growth, the FAO and Indian policy experts note that post-harvest losses remain a hurdle. Currently, only 15% of India’s seafood undergoes value-added processing. Closing this gap through cold-chain infrastructure is the primary goal for the 2026–2030 period to ensure India captures a larger share of the USD 195 billion global aquatic trade.
Indonesia’s Blue Economy: A Trillion-Dollar Maritime Awakening
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic nation, is rapidly pivoting toward a "Blue Economy" framework to anchor its long-term economic transformation. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, Indonesia maintains its critical role as a global leader, contributing 7% of the world's total aquatic animal production and ranking as the second-largest producer of fish overall.
What is the value add of Indonesia’s Blue Economy?
Indonesia’s blue economy potential is estimated at a staggering USD 1.33 trillion, with the sector currently contributing approximately 7.6% to 7.9% of the national GDP. In 2024, Indonesia’s fishery exports reached an estimated USD 5.97 billion, led by high-value commodities like shrimp, tuna, and seaweed. Under the Indonesia Blue Economy Roadmap 2023–2045, the government aims to nearly double the sector's GDP contribution to 15% by 2045, positioning the ocean as the "Epicentrum of Growth" for Southeast Asia.
Sectoral Drivers of Value (2024–2026)
Indonesia is shifting from raw commodity exports to "downstreaming"—adding value through domestic processing and high-tech marine industries.
| Sector | 2024–2026 Impact | Key Strategic Value Add |
| Seaweed Production | 10.8M tonnes (38% of global output) | Shifting from raw export to bioplastics, fertilizers, and cosmetics. |
| Aquaculture | 6.37M tonnes (13.6% annual growth) | Massive expansion of "Smart Fisheries" and high-tech shrimp estates. |
| Blue Carbon | 3.4M hectares of mangroves | Issuance of Sovereign Blue Bonds (e.g., JPY 25B in 2024) for climate finance. |
| Marine Logistics | 1,359 routes connecting 74 ports | The "Sea Toll" (Tol Laut) program reducing regional price disparities. |
The "Blue Transformation" Strategy
The 2024–2026 period marks a critical implementation phase for Indonesia's maritime sovereignty:
Seaweed Downstreaming: As the world's top producer of tropical seaweed, Indonesia is investing in processing plants to capture the multi-billion dollar bioproducts market, aiming for 14.14 million tonnes of output by 2029.
Quota-Based Fishing: To address the FAO's concerns about overfishing (with 75% of Indonesian fishing zones previously near overexploitation), the government implemented a quota-based management system in early 2025 to ensure long-term biological and economic sustainability.
Blue Infrastructure: Expansion of the PT PELNI fleet and digitalized maritime logistics are projected to reduce shipping costs by significantly improving connectivity across the 17,000+ islands.
Global Leadership & Sustainability
Indonesia’s value-add isn't just economic; it’s environmental. By protecting 29.9 million hectares of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as of 2024, Indonesia is leveraging its "blue assets" to attract ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investments. The country's Blue Economy Index (IBEI), launched by Bappenas, now tracks progress across all provinces, ensuring that the trillion-dollar potential translates into local prosperity.
The Blue Ripple Effect: Vietnam’s High-Value Pivot in the FAO SOFIA Era
The Context: A Maritime Superpower in Transition
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released its SOFIA 2024 report under the banner of "Blue Transformation," highlighting a historic milestone: global aquaculture production has officially surpassed capture fisheries. For Vietnam—the world’s 3rd largest exporter of aquatic products—this isn't just a statistic; it is the blueprint for its 2026 economic agenda.
1. From Volume to Value: The FAO Blueprint
The "Value Add" in Vietnam’s Blue Economy is the shift from raw tonnage to integrated value chains. According to FAO criteria, Vietnam is achieving this through three specific mechanisms:
Sustainable Intensification: Vietnam now accounts for roughly 5% of global aquatic animal production. By 2026, the value-add comes from shifting to Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and AI-driven farming, which reduce feed waste and environmental impact while doubling the market price per kilogram through high-quality certifications (ASC, BAP).
By-Product Valorization: A key FAO SOFIA highlight is the "circular" use of fish. Vietnam is leading the region in converting what was once "waste" (heads, skins, and scales) into high-value marine collagen, gelatin, and pharmaceuticals, turning a 0% value item into a multi-million dollar export sub-sector.
Traceability as Currency: With the EU's "Yellow Card" challenges, Vietnam’s investment in electronic catch reporting (eCDT) adds value by ensuring "clean" access to premium global markets. In 2026, a "traceable" fish is worth 20–30% more than an uncertified one.
2. The 2026 "Blue Carbon" Multiplier
A new layer of value-add identified in the latest maritime discussions (Hanoi, Feb 2026) is the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP).
The Concept: Vietnam is leveraging its mangroves and seagrasses not just for coastal protection, but as a financial asset.
The Value: By quantifying the carbon sequestered by these ecosystems, Vietnam is preparing to enter the Global Carbon Credit market, allowing the Blue Economy to generate revenue without harvesting a single fish.
3. Economic Impact by the Numbers
| Metric | 2022 (Baseline) | 2026 (Projected/Current) | Value-Add Driver |
| Marine Economy GDP | ~48% | ~51% | Digitalization & Wind Energy |
| Seafood Export Target | $10B | $11B+ | High-tech processing |
| Aquaculture Share | 51% (Global) | ~60% (Vietnam) | Transition from wild-catch |
Conclusion: "Raising the Ecosystem"
As Vietnam’s Minister of Agriculture recently noted, "Marine farming is not just about fish and shrimp; it is about raising the marine ecosystem." By aligning with the FAO SOFIA vision, Vietnam is ensuring that its "Blue Economy" is not a temporary resource grab, but a sustainable engine that adds value to the environment and the economy simultaneously.
Peru’s Blue Transformation and the Shift to High-Value Marine Assets
The Context: Beyond the "Fishmeal Giant"
For decades, Peru has been synonymous with the Humboldt Current, one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, Peru remains a global titan in capture fisheries. However, the "Value Add" in 2026 is no longer about the volume of the catch, but the sophistication of its use.
1. The Value-Add Pivot: From Industrial to Nutritional
The core of Peru’s Blue Economy "Value Add" is the strategic diversion of resources from fishmeal (animal feed) to high-value products for human use.
Direct Human Consumption (DHC): Peru is investing heavily in processing plants to turn anchoveta and giant squid (pota) into gourmet canned goods, frozen fillets, and ready-to-eat meals.
Nutraceuticals: Instead of selling bulk oil, Peruvian firms are extracting Omega-3 concentrates and specialized proteins for the global health supplement market.
The Gain: This shift can increase the value of the same metric ton of fish by 4x to 6x compared to traditional fishmeal.
2. FAO SOFIA Standards: Sustainability as a Market Premium
The FAO SOFIA report emphasizes that "Blue Transformation" requires sustainable management. Peru is adding value by securing international certifications that prove its stocks are not overfished.
Precision Management: Using satellite data and AI to monitor the Humboldt Current’s biomass in real-time.
Artisanal Formalization: Value is added by bringing thousands of artisanal fishers into the formal economy, allowing their products to reach high-end export markets in the US and EU that require strict traceability.
3. Emerging Blue Sectors in Peru (2026)
| Sector | The "Value Add" Strategy | 2026 Impact |
| Algae & Seaweed | Cultivating Macrocystis for bioplastics and fertilizers. | New revenue stream for coastal communities. |
| Marine Tourism | Shifting from basic beach visits to Whale Watching and Marine Reserves (e.g., Nazca Ridge). | High-spending international eco-tourists. |
| Coastal Resilience | Using "Blue Carbon" initiatives in mangroves (Tumbes) to sell carbon offsets. | Environmental protection turned into a financial asset. |
4. The 2026 Economic Outlook
As of 2026, Peru’s Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) has aligned with FAO goals to ensure that the maritime sector contributes more than just commodity exports. By integrating Innovation Hubs in coastal cities like Pisco and Chimbote, Peru is transforming from a "harvester" into a "biotech innovator."
Key Statistic: In 2026, Peru's Direct Human Consumption sector is projected to grow by 12%, outstripping the growth of traditional industrial fishing for the third year in a row.
A Sustainable Superpower
Peru is proving that a Blue Economy is not just about having a rich ocean; it’s about what you do with it. By following the FAO SOFIA roadmap, Peru is ensuring that the Humboldt Current remains a source of wealth not just for today’s industrial fleets, but for the future of global food security.
Blue Titans of 2026: Scaling Global Value through Strategic Maritime Projects
As of February 2026, these five nations are moving from theoretical "Blue Economy" frameworks to large-scale infrastructure and digital integration.
1. China (36%): Deep-Sea Automation
Project: "Deep-Blue" Smart Cage Clusters
The Project: Deployment of semi-submersible, AI-integrated farming platforms (e.g., Ningde No. 1) in the South China Sea.
The Value Add: By moving aquaculture 20+ miles offshore into deeper, cleaner waters, China is producing "wild-mimetic" fish that command a 40% price premium over traditional near-shore farmed fish while reducing coastal pollution.
2. India (8%): The Digital Value Chain
Project: PMMSY 2026 Integrated Reservoir & Startup Hubs
The Project: Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, India is integrating 500 reservoirs with digital market linkages and supporting 200+ fisheries startups.
The Value Add: Reducing post-harvest losses from 25% to under 10% through solar-powered cold chains and AI-driven "e-mandis" (digital markets), directly increasing the profit margins of small-scale fishers.
3. Indonesia (7%): Blue Carbon & Inclusive Conservation
Project: "Blue Halo S" & BEAM (Blue Ecosystem Adaptation Mechanism)
The Project: An integrated "Protection and Production" model in Fisheries Management Area 572 (West Sumatra). It combines marine protected areas with sustainable tuna harvest strategies.
The Value Add: Launching the Blue Carbon Finance Profiles in March 2026, which allows Indonesia to sell carbon credits from mangrove and seagrass restoration to fund coastal infrastructure, creating a new "non-extractive" revenue stream.
4. Viet Nam (5%): Industrial Traceability & Green Energy
Project: Mekong Delta High-Tech RAS & Offshore Wind Pilots
The Project: Mass adoption of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) for shrimp and the pilot integration of aquaculture cages within offshore wind farm foundations.
The Value Add: Full digitalization of the "traceability" chain to meet EU "Green Trade" standards. This ensures that Vietnamese seafood remains the top choice for the high-end European market, bypassing traditional trade barriers.
5. Peru (3%): The Nutritional Biotech Shift
Project: New Management Model for Artisanal Anchoveta (DHC)
The Project: A massive state-backed shift to redirect the Humboldt Current anchoveta catch from fishmeal (animal feed) to Direct Human Consumption (DHC) through salted, smoked, and Omega-3 oil products.
The Value Add: By converting industrial fishmeal into high-quality human protein, Peru is aiming to increase the per-ton economic value of its catch by 400% while simultaneously tackling national anemia and malnutrition.
Global Project Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Country | Flagship Project | Primary Value-Add Technology |
| China | Smart Cage Clusters | AI & Deep-Sea Structural Engineering |
| India | Amrit Sarovar Linkages | Digital Finance & Startup Ecosystems |
| Indonesia | Blue Halo S | Blue Carbon Credits & Blended Finance |
| Viet Nam | High-Tech RAS | Traceability & Renewable Energy Synergy |
| Peru | Anchoveta for DHC | Food Bio-processing & Nutraceuticals |
Conclusion: Navigating the 2026 Blue Frontier
The data from the FAO SOFIA report and the progress of the "Blue Titans" (China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Peru) point to a single conclusion: the era of "volume-first" maritime activity is over. The new global standard is Value-Added Sustainability.
The Synthesis of Success
In 2026, we see a clear pattern of specialized value creation across the leading nations:
The High-Tech Leaders (China & Vietnam): Proving that automation and deep-sea intelligence can solve the environmental limits of traditional near-shore farming.
The Digital Pioneers (India & Indonesia): Demonstrating that blue growth must be inclusive, using digital finance and "Blue Carbon" credits to empower local communities while protecting natural assets.
The Nutritional Innovators (Peru): Reimagining the very purpose of the catch, turning industrial commodities into high-value health and food security solutions.
Looking Toward 2030
As we approach the end of the decade, the "Value Add" of the Blue Economy will increasingly be measured by resilience. With the High Seas Treaty entering into force this year (January 2026), these five nations are leading a global shift toward a "Circular Blue Economy." By integrating offshore renewable energy, carbon sequestration, and high-tech food systems, they are ensuring that the ocean remains the world's most vital economic engine.
The maritime nations that succeed in this new era will be those that view the ocean not as a vast expanse of water, but as a complex, high-tech laboratory for the future of human survival.