FAO report: Asia drives record global fish and aquaculture production

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s 2026 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report shows that global fish production reached a record 188.2 million tonnes in 2024, with aquaculture now supplying the majority of seafood for human consumption. Production of aquatic animals and algae totaled 235 million tonnes, and Asia contributed about 76 percent of that output, producing 179 million tonnes, including 130 million tonnes from aquaculture.

China leads the region, accounting for roughly 57.6 million tonnes of cultivated aquatic animals, while India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Bangladesh are also major producers. The sector directly employs 63.8 million people and supports the livelihoods of around 600 million worldwide. The report warns that rapid expansion brings environmental risks such as pollution, disease and ecosystem strain, and highlights the need for stronger governance and climate‑adaptation measures to protect marine resources and food security.

The findings were presented at the Our Ocean Conference 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya, underscoring the importance of sustainable growth in fisheries and aquaculture for global nutrition and rural development.