FAO SOFIA Report: Aquaculture Analysis of Top Producers and Refinery Industry Trends
FAO SOFIA 2024: Total Aquaculture Production Hits Historic High
According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, total aquaculture production reached a record 130.9 million tonnes in 2022. For the first time in history, aquaculture surpassed capture fisheries as the primary producer of aquatic animals, contributing 94.4 million tonnes (51% of the global total) toward the overall supply of aquatic animal foods.
The Milestone: Aquaculture Overtakes Capture Fisheries
The 2024 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) marks a definitive turning point for global food systems. While capture fisheries have remained relatively stable since the late 1980s, aquaculture has continued its upward trajectory.
In 2022, the sector's total output of 130.9 million tonnes comprised:
Aquatic Animals: 94.4 million tonnes (Live weight equivalent)
Algae (Seaweed): 36.5 million tonnes (Wet weight)
Regional Dominance and Major Producers
The growth of aquaculture is heavily concentrated in specific regions and nations. Asia remains the powerhouse of the industry, accounting for 91.4% of the world's total aquaculture production.
| Top Producers | Global Share (Animals) | Market Value (Estimated) |
| 🇨🇳 China | 36% | ~$112.6 Billion |
| 🇮🇳 India | 8% | ~$25.0 Billion |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 7% | ~$21.9 Billion |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 5% | ~$15.6 Billion |
Despite this concentration, the FAO highlights that many low-income countries in Africa and Latin America possess significant "untapped potential" that could be unlocked through the Blue Transformation initiative—a strategic framework aimed at sustainable expansion.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The "first sale" value of aquaculture production in 2022 was estimated at USD 313 billion, representing a significant portion of the total USD 472 billion generated by the entire fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Looking ahead, the FAO projects that aquatic animal production will increase by another 10% by 2032, reaching 205 million tonnes. This growth is considered essential to meet the rising global demand, as per capita consumption has more than doubled since the 1960s, reaching an estimated 20.7 kg in 2022.
China: The Global Powerhouse of Aquaculture
China continues to hold its position as the world’s undisputed leader in aquatic food production. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, China alone accounts for 36% of the global production of aquatic animals and over 55% of global aquaculture production. It is the first nation to transition its food system so significantly that farmed production now dwarfs its wild-capture fisheries.
Key Statistics: China's Aquaculture Sector (2022-2024)
| Metric | Value / Statistic | Significance |
| Total Production (2023) | 71 Million Tonnes | World's largest seafood producer |
| Aquaculture Share | ~82% of total domestic seafood | Far exceeds wild-capture volumes |
| Global Market Share | 56% of aquaculture animals | Dominates the global supply chain |
| Export Value | USD 22.4 Billion | Top global exporter by value |
| Per Capita Consumption | ~42 kg / year | More than double the global average |
Industry Composition and Regional Specialization
China's success is built on a massive infrastructure of both inland and marine farming. The industry is currently undergoing a "Blue Transformation," shifting from high-volume growth to high-quality, sustainable intensification.
Inland Aquaculture: Concentrated in the Yangtze and Pearl River Basins, focusing heavily on freshwater species like Carp and Tilapia.
Mariculture (Marine): Spread across coastal provinces using advanced cage and raft cultures for species like oysters, seaweed, and high-value finfish.
Technological Shifts: China is rapidly adopting Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and offshore "smart" farming to reduce environmental impact and improve biosecurity.
Main Species Produced
China’s production is diverse, but it is the world leader in several specific categories:
Cyprinids: Various species of Carp (Grass, Silver, Bighead).
Mollusks: Cupped oysters and various clam species.
Crustaceans: Whiteleg shrimp and Chinese mitten crab.
Tilapia: Significant export-oriented production, especially in southern provinces like Guangdong.
India: The Rising Force in Global Aquaculture
India has cemented its status as a global aquaculture giant, consistently ranking as the second-largest aquaculture producer in the world, trailing only China. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, India contributes approximately 8% of the global production of aquatic animals, a testament to its aggressive "Blue Revolution" initiatives and expanding inland farming networks.
Key Statistics: India's Aquaculture & Fisheries (2022-2024)
| Metric | Value / Statistic | Significance |
| Global Rank (Aquaculture) | 2nd 🥈 | Second only to China |
| Total Fish Production (23-24) | 18.4 Million Tonnes | All-time record for the country |
| Aquaculture Contribution | ~75% of total production | Inland farming is the primary driver |
| Export Value (2023-24) | USD 7.38 Billion | Major global supplier of frozen shrimp |
| Livelihood Support | 28 Million People | Critical sector for rural employment |
The Dominance of Inland Farming
Unlike many maritime nations that rely heavily on the ocean, India's aquaculture strength lies in its inland resources. Rivers, canals, ponds, and tanks across the country provide a massive footprint for freshwater farming.
Freshwater Species: The sector is dominated by Indian Major Carps (Rohu, Catla, Mrigal).
The Shrimp Boom: India is a global leader in L. vannamei (Whiteleg shrimp) production, which is the cornerstone of its seafood export economy.
Government Support: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) have injected billions into infrastructure, cold chains, and modernizing farming techniques.
Top Fish Producing States (2024 Estimates)
Production is not uniform across the country; a few key states provide the bulk of the national output:
| State | Production Volume | Primary Focus |
| 🇮🇳 Andhra Pradesh | > 5.0 Million Tonnes | Shrimp (export) and Carp (domestic) |
| 🇮🇳 West Bengal | ~2.0 Million Tonnes | Freshwater fish; staple food source |
| 🇮🇳 Odisha | ~1.1 Million Tonnes | Mixed inland and brackish water farming |
| 🇮🇳 Uttar Pradesh | ~0.9 Million Tonnes | Rapidly growing freshwater carp sector |
Indonesia: The Archipelagic Leader in Aquatic Diversity
Indonesia has solidified its position as a global aquaculture giant, ranking as the third-largest producer of aquatic animals and the second-largest producer of seaweed globally. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, Indonesia contributes 7% of the world's total aquatic animal production, playing a pivotal role in the "Blue Transformation" by balancing massive marine resources with rapidly growing inland farming.
Key Statistics: Indonesia's Aquaculture Sector (2022-2024)
| Metric | Value / Statistic | Significance |
| Global Rank (Animals) | 3rd 🥉 | Behind only China and India |
| Global Rank (Algae) | 2nd 🥈 | World's top producer of tropical seaweed |
| Total Production (2022) | ~14.8 Million Tonnes | Includes animals and aquatic plants |
| Aquaculture Share | ~67% of total seafood | Now the primary source of fish in Indonesia |
| Export Value (2024 Est.) | USD 4.23 Billion | Leading global exporter of shrimp and seaweed |
| Per Capita Consumption | 41.2 kg / year | Nearly double the global average |
The Two Pillars of Indonesian Production
Indonesia’s aquaculture is unique because it is split between high-value exports and essential domestic food security.
Marine & Brackish Water: Indonesia is a world leader in L. vannamei (Whiteleg shrimp) and Seaweed (Eucheuma and Gracilaria). The government has targeted seaweed production to hit 12.3 million tonnes in 2024 to support the global bio-economy.
Freshwater Dominance: For domestic consumption, Indonesia relies on vast inland ponds and "floating nets" (KJA) in lakes. Key species include Tilapia, Catfish (Lele), and Pangasius.
Regional Production Centers
Indonesia's 17,000 islands allow for specialized production hubs across the archipelago:
| Region | Primary Species | Market Focus |
| 🇮🇩 Sulawesi | Seaweed & Milkfish | Global Export / Domestic Food |
| 🇮🇩 Java | Tilapia & Catfish | Domestic Consumption (Jakarta/Surabaya) |
| 🇮🇩 Sumatra | Shrimp & Pangasius | Large-scale Commercial Export |
| 🇮🇩 Nusa Tenggara | High-value Seaweed | Industrial Processing / Export |
Vietnam: The Global Leader in High-Value Export Aquaculture
Vietnam has established itself as the world’s fourth-largest producer of aquatic animals and a critical hub for global seafood trade. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, Vietnam contributes 5% of the world's total aquatic animal production. It is specifically renowned for its efficient, large-scale production of high-value species like Pangasius (catfish) and shrimp, making it the third-largest seafood exporter globally after China and Norway.
Key Statistics: Vietnam's Aquaculture Sector (2022-2024)
| Metric | Value / Statistic | Significance |
| Global Rank (Animals) | 4th | Top producer in Southeast Asia |
| Aquaculture Production (2024) | 5.7 Million Tonnes | A 4% increase from 2023 |
| Total Export Turnover (2024) | USD 10.07 Billion | Reached a historic 12.7% YoY growth |
| Mekong Delta Output | ~70% of total production | The "Seafood Heartland" of the nation |
| Main Export Markets | China & USA | Combined 30%+ of total seafood exports |
The Mekong Delta: A Global Production Engine
The vast majority of Vietnam's aquaculture success is concentrated in the Mekong Delta, which provides the ideal environmental conditions for both freshwater and brackish water farming.
Pangasius (Tra/Basa): Vietnam is the world's leading producer and exporter. Production is concentrated in provinces like An Giang and Dong Thap, yielding nearly 1.8 million tonnes annually.
Shrimp Industry: Vietnam is a specialist in both Whiteleg shrimp (high volume) and Black Tiger shrimp (premium quality). In 2024, shrimp exports alone generated nearly USD 4 billion.
Marine Farming: Expanding rapidly in central provinces like Khanh Hoa, focusing on high-value lobster and marine finfish for the luxury East Asian markets.
Production Breakdown by Major Species (2024 Data)
| Species Group | Production Volume | Key Farming Regions |
| 🦐 Shrimp (Whiteleg & Black Tiger) | 1.26 Million Tonnes | Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang |
| 🐟 Pangasius (Catfish) | 1.78 Million Tonnes | An Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho |
| 🐟 Tilapia | 300,000 Tonnes | Red River Delta & Mekong Delta |
| 🐚 Mollusks (Clams, Oysters) | 460,000 Tonnes | Nam Dinh, Ben Tre, Thai Binh |
| 🦞 Marine Fish/Lobster | 52,000 Tonnes | Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Phu Yen |
Future Strategy: The Green & Blue Transition
Vietnam is currently shifting its focus from "volume" to "value." Under the national development plan, the government is incentivizing:
ASC/BAP Certifications: To maintain access to strict EU and US markets.
High-Tech Shrimp Estates: Utilizing digital monitoring and automated feeding.
Climate Resilience: Developing new farming models to combat saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta.
Performance Scorecard: Global Leaders in Refined Aquaculture
While volume is often dominated by a few Asian giants, "refined" aquaculture—measured by technological integration, sustainability, and export value—presents a more diverse leaderboard. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report and 2025 industry analyses, the focus has shifted toward the "Blue Transformation," where efficiency and environmental standards are as important as total tonnage.
Global Aquaculture Leadership Scorecard (2025)
The following countries are ranked based on their specific strengths in the "refined" sector, moving beyond just raw volume to include technological maturity and market value.
| Rank | Country | Primary Strength | Tech Adoption | Sustainability | Score (Avg) |
| 1 | 🇳🇴 Norway | High-Value Salmon & RAS | 9.8 / 10 | 9.2 / 10 | 9.5 |
| 2 | 🇨🇳 China | Massive Scale & Algae | 8.5 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 | 8.1 |
| 3 | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | Export Efficiency (Shrimp/Panga) | 8.0 / 10 | 8.2 / 10 | 8.1 |
| 4 | 🇨🇱 Chile | Vertical Integration | 8.2 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | 7.8 |
| 5 | 🇮🇳 India | Freshwater Innovation | 7.5 / 10 | 7.2 / 10 | 7.3 |
| 6 | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | Sustainable Shrimp Specialist | 7.0 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 | 7.7 |
Analysis of Leading "Refined" Models
1. Norway: The Gold Standard for Technology
Norway leads the world in Refined Aquaculture through its dominance in the Atlantic Salmon market.
Technological Edge: Norway utilizes the most advanced Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and offshore robotic cages.
Refinement: Their "Blue Economy" model focuses on high-precision feeding and AI-driven disease monitoring, ensuring the highest "first-sale" value per tonne globally.
2. China: Transitioning from Volume to Value
As noted in the 2024 SOFIA report, China is moving away from traditional pond farming toward Smart Mariculture.
Refinement: China's current focus is on multi-trophic aquaculture (where different species are farmed together to recycle waste) and deep-sea "intelligent" farming platforms.
3. Ecuador & Vietnam: The Export Specialists
These nations have refined their supply chains to meet the strict "Green" standards of the US and EU markets.
Ecuador: Has specialized in "Antibiotic-Free" shrimp, making it a premium global leader in sustainable crustacean production.
Vietnam: Leads in processing refinement, ensuring that 90% of its Pangasius and Shrimp output is export-ready and certified by international bodies like ASC and BAP.
Defining the "Refined" Metrics
To understand this scorecard, we look at four pillars:
Tech Adoption: Use of AI, IoT, automated feeders, and water filtration (RAS).
Sustainability: Adherence to FAO's Blue Transformation guidelines and carbon footprint reduction.
Market Value: The ability to produce high-value species (Salmon, Shrimp, Lobster) over low-value forage fish.
Biosecurity: Advanced disease prevention and genetic selection of resilient stock.
FAO SOFIA 2024: Total Aquaculture Production Hits Historic High
According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, total aquaculture production reached a record 130.9 million tonnes in 2022. For the first time in history, aquaculture surpassed capture fisheries as the primary producer of aquatic animals, contributing 94.4 million tonnes (51% of the global total) toward the overall supply of aquatic animal foods.
Data Collection & Methodology
The data within the SOFIA report is the result of a massive global effort coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This process ensures that "Total Aquaculture Production" figures are standardized and scientifically validated across 200+ countries.
The Collection Process
Standardized Reporting: The FAO sends annual questionnaires to member nations. National authorities (such as Ministries of Fisheries) compile data from local farm registries and hatcheries.
Validation: The FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division reviews submissions. If data is inconsistent, they utilize satellite imagery and trade logs to verify figures.
The "F" Estimate: In cases where nations fail to report, the FAO applies scientific models to generate an "F" (FAO Estimate) to maintain the global data set's integrity.
Key Organizations: The Global Governance Scorecard
The success of the "Blue Transformation" depends on a network of organizations that provide the data, research, and regulatory framework for global aquaculture.
| Organization | Role | Focus Area | Data Contribution |
| FAO Fisheries Division | Primary Lead | Global Policy & Statistics | Aggregates all global SOFIA data |
| CWP (Coordinating Working Party) | Standard Setter | Metric Harmonization | Defines "Live Weight" and species codes |
| NACA (Network of Aquaculture Centres) | Regional Expert | Asia-Pacific Development | Rural and small-scale farm data |
| WorldFish (CGIAR) | Research Hub | Food Security & Genetics | Small-scale fisheries & nutrition data |
| OECD | Economic Advisor | Employment & Trade | Fisheries and aquaculture employment stats |
| Eurostat | Regional Partner | European Production | Trade and production data for EU members |
| RFMOs (e.g., IOTC, GFCM) | Regulator | Transboundary Species | Data on high-value migratory stocks |
Glossary of Key Terms
Understanding the SOFIA report requires a grasp of specific technical terminology used by the FAO to categorize production.
| Term | Definition | Significance |
| Aquaculture | The farming of aquatic organisms involving intervention (feeding, stocking) and ownership. | Distinguishes farmed seafood from wild-caught. |
| Live Weight | The weight of the organism as it is removed from the water, before processing. | The standard unit for all global production tonnage. |
| Blue Transformation | FAO’s strategic roadmap to expand aquatic food systems sustainably. | The core policy framework for the 2024–2030 period. |
| Aquatic Animals | A group including finfish, mollusks, and crustaceans. | Excludes aquatic plants (algae/seaweed). |
| ISSCAAP | Int'l Standard Statistical Classification of Aquatic Animals and Plants. | The coding system used to group species for global analysis. |
| RAS | Recirculating Aquaculture Systems; high-tech, water-recycling indoor farms. | The primary technology for "Refined" aquaculture. |
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