Aquaculture growth and technology trends

In June 2026 the FAO released its State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report, documenting a record 188.2 million tonnes of total fish production in 2024. Aquaculture supplied the majority of this output, with Asia accounting for roughly 76 percent of global aquatic animal and algae production. China led the region, followed by India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Bangladesh. The sector employed about 63.8 million people and underpinned the livelihoods of around 600 million individuals. The report warned that rapid expansion brings environmental pressures such as pollution, disease outbreaks and ecosystem strain, calling for stronger governance and climate‑adaptation measures.

A few weeks later, a market analysis highlighted the role of Internet‑of‑Things (IoT) monitoring systems in transforming offshore aquaculture. Sensors and AI‑driven analytics now track key water quality parameters and fish behavior, enabling predictive disease detection, automated feeding and regulatory compliance. The analysis projected the global aquaculture market to grow from $1.28 billion in 2024 to $2.88 billion by 2033, driven by this technology adoption. It reiterated the FAO’s production figures and noted that while aquaculture supports nutrition for vulnerable populations, rising ocean temperatures, acidification and intensive farming practices continue to pose climate and environmental risks.