Farmed Fish Now Outpace Wild Catch as Aquaculture Dominates Global Supply

Seafood farming, or aquaculture, now produces more fish than wild catch. This shift began in 2013 as global demand for fish grew rapidly. Without farming, many wild fish populations would face severe overexploitation today. For decades, seafood came mainly from wild catches. But as demand rose, aquaculture expanded quickly to fill the gap. The industry farms not just fish but also crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic plants.

Since 2013, farmed fish production has grown steadily. In 2025, output increased by 1.7%, with projections of 8.1% annual growth until 2033. Finfish—such as salmon, tilapia, carp, catfish, and trout—make up over 70% of farmed seafood. China remains the world's top producer.

Without aquaculture, the extra demand would have pushed wild fish stocks to the brink. Farming has helped ease pressure on oceans while meeting the needs of a growing population. Aquaculture now dominates global seafood supply, surpassing wild catch since 2013. The sector's growth is driven by rising demand, technological advances, and the need to protect wild fish populations. With finfish leading production, the industry is expected to keep expanding in the coming years.