FAO SOFIA Report: Global Capture Fisheries Production & Country Ranking
FAO SOFIA: Capture Fisheries Production
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently released the 2024 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), highlighting a historic milestone in the sector. While global production reached a record 223.2 million tonnes, the most significant shift was that aquaculture surpassed capture fisheries as the primary source of aquatic animal production for the first time in history.
Global capture fisheries production remained remarkably stable in 2022, totaling 92.3 million tonnes. This figure includes 81 million tonnes from marine capture and 11.3 million tonnes from inland waters. Despite the surge in aquaculture, capture fisheries remain a vital pillar of global food security, accounting for 49% of all aquatic animal production and providing the essential foundation for the "Blue Transformation" roadmap toward sustainable aquatic food systems.
Global Capture Fisheries: Leading Producers
As highlighted in the SOFIA 2024 report, global capture production is highly concentrated, with a small number of countries accounting for the majority of the world's wild-caught aquatic animals.
The following table identifies the top producers based on their share of the 91.0 million tonnes of aquatic animal captures in 2022:
| Rank | Country | Region | % of Global Capture | Production (Million Tonnes) |
| 1 | China | Asia | 14.3% | 13.0 |
| 2 | Indonesia | Asia | 8.0% | 7.3 |
| 3 | India | Asia | 6.0% | 5.5 |
| 4 | Peru | Latin America | 5.8% | 5.3 |
| 5 | Russian Federation | Europe/Asia | 5.4% | 4.9 |
| 6 | USA | Northern America | 4.6% | 4.2 |
| 7 | Viet Nam | Asia | 3.9% | 3.6 |
| 8 | Japan | Asia | 3.2% | 2.9 |
| 9 | Norway | Europe | 2.7% | 2.5 |
| 10 | Philippines | Asia | 2.4% | 2.2 |
Key Trends in Global Capture Fisheries
The SOFIA 2024 report outlines several critical trends that define the current state of wild-catch production:
Long-term Stability: Since the late 1980s, capture fisheries have fluctuated within a narrow range of 86 million to 93 million tonnes, indicating a sector that has reached its biological plateau.
Dominant Regions: Asian countries are responsible for 50% of global marine captures, followed by Europe (16.7%) and Latin America and the Caribbean (15.6%).
Top Species: Anchoveta remains the most caught species globally (4.9 million tonnes), followed by Alaska pollock and skipjack tuna. Notably, tunas and tuna-like species reached a record catch of 8.3 million tonnes in 2022.
Sustainability and Stock Health
One of the most concerning findings is the status of marine fishery resources. The proportion of marine stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels fell to 62.3% in 2021. However, the report offers a silver lining: when weighted by production volume, 76.9% of the global catch comes from sustainable stocks, proving that larger, well-managed fisheries are often more resilient.
The Path Forward: Blue Transformation
The FAO emphasizes that while capture fisheries are stable, they require "transformative and adaptive actions." The Blue Transformation initiative aims to:
Strengthen effective fisheries management to ensure stock recovery.
Reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Support small-scale fishers who contribute significantly to local nutrition and livelihoods.
China’s Dominance in Global Fisheries and Aquaculture
According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, China continues to be the undisputed global leader in the aquatic sector. In 2022, China alone accounted for 36% of the world's total aquatic animal production, a figure that underscores its massive influence on global food systems and trade.
While China remains the top producer in both capture fisheries and aquaculture, its strategy has recently shifted. The government has implemented stricter environmental policies to protect inland and marine ecosystems, leading to a deliberate stabilization and even slight reduction in wild-catch volumes to prioritize sustainable growth in the "Blue Transformation" framework.
China: Production Breakdown (2022)
The following table summarizes China's contribution to global production and its rank across the primary sectors of the industry:
| Sector | China's Production (Million Tonnes) | % of Global Total | Global Rank |
| Total Aquatic Animals | 66.7 | 36% | #1 |
| Aquaculture (Animals) | 53.7 | 56.9% | #1 |
| Capture Fisheries | 13.0 | 14.3% | #1 |
| Inland Fisheries | 1.2 | 10.6% | #3 |
| Algae Production | 23.3 | 61.6% | #1 |
Key Takeaways for China's Sector
Aquaculture Powerhouse: China's aquaculture production is so vast that it exceeds the combined total of the rest of the world’s top producers. It is the primary driver of the global shift where aquaculture now surpasses capture fisheries.
Capture Fisheries Giant: Despite policy-driven efforts to reduce domestic marine catches, China’s capture production (13.0 million tonnes) is still more than the second and third-ranked countries (Indonesia and India) combined.
Global Exporter: China remains the world’s leading exporter of aquatic animal products by value, accounting for 12% of global exports ($22.4 billion), despite also being a top importer to satisfy high domestic demand.
Environmental Transition: The recent slowing of China's growth rate in aquaculture (from 6.1% in the 2000s to 3.7% in the early 2020s) is largely attributed to new environmental protection laws and the reduction of available land and water for traditional farming.
Indonesia’s Role in Global Fisheries and Aquaculture
In the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, Indonesia is identified as a cornerstone of the global "Blue Transformation." As the world’s largest archipelagic nation, it ranks as the second-largest producer of aquatic animals globally, contributing approximately 7% of the world's total production.
Indonesia's production profile is uniquely balanced compared to other giants. While it is a top-tier aquaculture producer, it also maintains one of the world's most productive marine capture sectors, particularly within the Western Central Pacific and Indian Ocean fishing areas.
Indonesia: Production Breakdown (2022)
The following table highlights Indonesia's significant contribution to global volumes and its leadership in the Southeast Asian region:
| Sector | Indonesia's Production (Million Tonnes) | % of Global Total | Global Rank |
| Total Aquatic Production | 22.3 | 10%* | #2 |
| Capture Fisheries | 7.5 | 8.0% | #2 |
| Aquaculture (Animals) | 14.8 | 15.7% | #2 |
| Marine Capture | 7.0 | 8.6% | #2 |
| Inland Capture | 0.46 | 4.1% | #7 |
*Includes aquatic animals and substantial seaweed (algae) production.
Strategic Insights for Indonesia
Global Seaweed Leader: While China leads in animal aquaculture, Indonesia is a global titan in seaweed production. It is the primary source of tropical seaweed species used for carrageenan extraction, though the 2024 report noted a slight recent drop in output due to climate and logistical challenges.
Tuna Powerhouse: Indonesia is the world's leading producer of tunas and tuna-like species. The country's management of skipjack and yellowfin tuna in its 11 Fisheries Management Areas (WPPNRI) is critical for global tuna supply chains.
Quota-Based Fisheries: To ensure long-term sustainability, Indonesia has recently moved toward a quota-based fishing policy. This initiative aims to balance economic growth with the health of marine stocks, aligning with the FAO's sustainability goals.
Aquaculture Diversity: Beyond fish, Indonesia is a top producer of high-value whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), which remains its primary fishery export by value, targeted toward markets in the USA, Japan, and the EU.
India’s Ascent in Global Fisheries and Aquaculture
As per the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, India has solidified its position as a global leader, ranking as the second-largest aquaculture producer and the third-largest total fish producer in the world. In 2022, India contributed roughly 8% of the global aquatic animal production, reaching a record volume of approximately 17.5 million tonnes.
India’s growth is fueled by a massive shift toward inland resources. While marine capture has remained stable, the inland fisheries and aquaculture sectors have expanded rapidly, now accounting for nearly 75% of the country’s total fish production. This "Sunrise Sector" is a cornerstone of India's rural economy, supporting the livelihoods of over 28 million people.
India: Production Breakdown (2022)
The following table highlights India's global standing and the specific breakdown of its production by sub-sector:
| Sector | India's Production (Million Tonnes) | % of Global Total | Global Rank |
| Total Aquatic Animals | ~17.5 | 8.0% | #3 |
| Aquaculture (Animals) | 10.2 | 10.8% | #2 |
| Capture Fisheries | ~7.3 | 7.9% | #3 |
| Marine Capture | 4.1 | 4.5% | #6 |
| Inland Capture | 1.8 | 16.0% | #1 |
Key Takeaways for India's Sector
World Leader in Inland Capture: For the first time in the recent SOFIA cycles, India has emerged as the #1 producer in inland capture fisheries, surpassing China. This is largely due to the extensive network of rivers, canals, and reservoirs being managed more effectively for wild-catch.
Shrimp Export Giant: India is the world's leading exporter of frozen shrimp. Shrimp alone accounts for nearly 70% of India's seafood export earnings, with the USA and China serving as the primary markets.
Carp Dominance: In the aquaculture sector, Indian Major Carps (like Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal) dominate domestic production and consumption, forming the backbone of food security in many Indian states.
Policy-Driven Growth: The Indian government's Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme has injected significant investment into the sector, aiming to modernize infrastructure and double export earnings by 2025.
Peru’s Influence in Global Capture Fisheries
According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, Peru remains a global powerhouse in wild-catch production, despite its unique vulnerability to climate patterns. In 2022, Peru contributed approximately 5.8% of global capture fisheries production, securing its spot as the 4th largest producer in the world and the undisputed leader in Latin America.
Peru's fishing industry is characterized by its reliance on the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current, which supports the world's largest single-species fishery: the Peruvian anchoveta. While aquaculture is growing in the region, Peru’s economy remains deeply anchored in its massive marine capture volumes, primarily used for the production of fishmeal and fish oil.
Peru: Production Breakdown (2022)
The following table details Peru's standing in the global market, highlighting the dominance of its marine sector:
| Sector | Peru's Production (Million Tonnes) | % of Global Total | Global Rank |
| Total Aquatic Animals | ~5.5 | 3% | #5 |
| Capture Fisheries | 5.37 | 5.8% | #4 |
| Marine Capture | 5.32 | 6.6% | #3 |
| Aquaculture (Animals) | 0.14 | <1% | #30+ |
| Leading Species (Anchoveta) | 4.9 | ~5.4% of all wild catch | #1 |
Key Takeaways for Peru's Sector
The Anchoveta Factor: Peru produces the highest volume of a single species in the world. The 4.9 million tonnes of anchoveta caught in 2022 accounted for a significant portion of the total global marine catch. However, these volumes are highly volatile; during El Niño years, catches can drop drastically, impacting the global supply of animal feed.
Global Fishmeal Leader: Peru is the world’s top producer and exporter of fishmeal and fish oil. Because anchoveta is a small pelagic fish not widely consumed directly by humans, it is processed into high-protein feed for the global aquaculture and livestock industries.
Marine vs. Inland: Unlike India or China, Peru’s production is almost entirely marine-based. Inland fisheries and aquaculture represent only a tiny fraction of its total output, though there is significant potential for farmed trout and paiche in the Andean and Amazonian regions.
Sustainability Challenges: The SOFIA 2024 report notes that while Peru has advanced management systems, the "biologically sustainable" status of its stocks is a constant focus. Due to the high volume of the anchoveta fishery, any management success in Peru significantly improves global sustainability averages.
Russia’s Role in Global Capture Fisheries
According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, the Russian Federation remains a dominant force in the global fishing industry. In 2022, Russia accounted for 5.4% of the world’s total capture fisheries production, ranking as the 5th largest producer globally.
Russia's fishing industry is characterized by its vast geographic reach, spanning the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific Oceans. The sector is a vital component of the national economy, particularly in the Far East, where over 70% of the country’s total catch is harvested. While Russia is a major player in wild-capture, its aquaculture sector remains relatively small but is identified as a key area for future domestic growth.
Russia: Production Breakdown (2022)
The following table highlights Russia's significant contribution to global capture volumes and its sectoral standing:
| Sector | Russia's Production (Million Tonnes) | % of Global Total | Global Rank |
| Total Aquatic Animals | ~5.3 | 2.9% | #6 |
| Capture Fisheries | 4.9 | 5.4% | #5 |
| Marine Capture | 4.7 | 5.9% | #4 |
| Inland Capture | 0.2 | 2.1% | #12 |
| Aquaculture (Animals) | 0.38 | <1% | #15+ |
Key Takeaways for Russia's Sector
Pollock Dominance: Russia is the world’s leading harvester of Alaska pollock, primarily in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea. Pollock accounts for a massive share of the Russian catch and is a staple in the global supply of whitefish fillets and surimi.
The "Far East" Engine: The Russian Far East is the heart of the industry, providing critical access to high-value species like Pacific salmon, crab, and herring. Despite global market shifts, Russia remains a top-tier supplier of premium crab species to Asian markets.
Modernization and "Quota for Investment": The Russian government has implemented a "Quotas for Investment" program, requiring fishing companies to build new vessels and processing plants in Russia to maintain their fishing rights. This is aimed at moving away from raw exports toward high-value, deep-processed products.
Salmon Cycle: Russian production of wild salmon is subject to significant biennial fluctuations. While 2023 saw record-breaking harvests, the 2024/2025 seasons have faced challenges due to natural population cycles, impacting global pink and sockeye salmon prices.
Export Shifts: In response to international sanctions and market closures in Europe and the US, Russia has aggressively reoriented its seafood exports toward China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, with China serving as a major hub for both consumption and further processing.
Understanding Global Fisheries Data: Sources, Entities, and Terminology
The FAO SOFIA report is the most authoritative source of information on world fisheries, but the data behind it is not collected by a single entity. It is the result of a massive, multi-layered global collaboration involving national governments, regional bodies, and scientific organizations.
How Data is Collected
The FAO serves as the central hub for global fisheries statistics, but it relies primarily on Member Nations to provide the raw figures. The collection process generally follows these steps:
National Reporting: Each year, national fisheries departments (e.g., NOAA in the USA, the Ministry of Agriculture in China) collect data from local ports, logbooks, and aquaculture farms. They submit this to the FAO via standardized questionnaires.
Validation & Cleaning: The FAO Statistics Team reviews the data for inconsistencies. If a country fails to report or provides "outlier" data, the FAO uses mathematical models and secondary sources (like trade records or scientific journals) to generate estimates.
Regional Coordination: For high-seas stocks (like tuna), data is often gathered and verified by regional bodies before reaching the FAO.
Organizations Involved
The "data ecosystem" includes several types of organizations that ensure the information is accurate and biologically sound.
| Organization Type | Key Examples | Role in Data Collection |
| Global Lead | FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) | Sets global standards, compiles the final SOFIA report, and maintains the FishStatJ database. |
| Regional Bodies | RFMOs (e.g., ICCAT, IATTC, IOTC) | Manage and collect data on specific species (like Tuna) or specific ocean regions. |
| Scientific Advisors | ICES (Int. Council for the Exploration of the Sea) | Provides peer-reviewed scientific stock assessments, primarily for the North Atlantic. |
| Coordinating Group | CWP (Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics) | Ensures all organizations use the same "language" and standards to avoid double-counting. |
| National Agencies | NOAA (USA), DGF (Indonesia), MARA (China) | Primary source of data; manage domestic vessels and coastal landing sites. |
Glossary of Key Terms
To navigate the SOFIA report, it is essential to understand the specific definitions used by the FAO, as some terms (like "fish") are used more broadly than in common English.
| Term | Definition | Context in SOFIA |
| Capture Production | The volume of wild aquatic organisms caught for all purposes. | Measured in Live Weight Equivalent (the weight of the fish when it was caught). |
| Aquaculture | The farming of aquatic organisms, including fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. | Requires some form of intervention (feeding, stocking) and private ownership of the stock. |
| Aquatic Animals | A broad category including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. | Excludes aquatic mammals (whales/dolphins) and reptiles (turtles). |
| Sustainable Levels | A stock harvested at a rate that allows it to produce its Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY). | Stocks above this level are "overfished"; stocks at or below are "sustainable." |
| Inland Waters | Lakes, rivers, brooks, streams, ponds, and inland canals. | Often the most difficult data to collect accurately due to small-scale/subsistence fishing. |
| Live Weight | The weight of the fish as it is taken from the water, before processing. | All FAO production statistics are converted to this unit for global comparison. |
.jpg)
%20A%20Guide%20to%20Value-Added%20Commodities%20and%20Organizations%20Involved.jpg)
