Asia drives global aquatic production to record high, powered by aquaculture expansion

Bangkok, 16 June 2026: Global production of aquatic animals and algae reached a new high of 235 million tonnes in 2024, driven largely by the rapid expansion of aquaculture, according to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched today during the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. The 2026 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture flagship report shows that Asia led this growth, accounting for 76 percent of global production of aquatic animals and algae. In 2024, the region produced 179 million tonnes of aquatic animals and algae, with nearly three quarters - or 130 million tonnes - coming from aquaculture. Aquaculture continues to be the main engine behind global expansion. Between 2000 and 2024, production of farmed aquatic animals increased by 70 million tonnes, with Asia contributing 90 percent of this growth and maintaining an average annual growth rate of 5 percent. The region also leads in algae production, accounting for 97 percent of the almost 40 million tonnes produced in the world in 2024, according to the report. “Asia’s leadership in aquatic food production reflects decades of investment in aquaculture, innovation and value chains,” says Alue Dohong, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative of FAO in Asia and...