Fisheries and
Aquaculture: A
Global Perspective
Fisheries and aquaculture play a vital role in food security, nutrition, and
livelihoods worldwide. This sector has seen dramatic growth over the
past 70 years, with global fish production increasing from 19.3 million
tonnes in 1950 to 210.90 million tonnes in 2018. As a major source of
protein for billions of people, fisheries contribute significantly to
economies and well-being of coastal communities.
Definition and Scope of
Fisheries
In biology, fish are strictly defined as animals with a vertebral column, gills for respiration throughout life, and fins as
limbs. However, the term "fish" in fisheries is used more broadly to include mollusks and other aquatic life. A fishery refers
to organized human efforts to catch fish or other aquatic species, known as fishing. It also encompasses the science of
producing fish and aquatic resources for human food, sport, ornamental purposes, or other products like fish oil.
1
True Fish
Animals with vertebral
column, gills, and fins
2
Broader Definition
Includes mollusks and other
aquatic life
3
Fishery Purposes
Food production, sport,
ornamental fish, fish products
Types of Fisheries
Fisheries can be categorized in various ways based on location, methods, and target species. The two main
categories are inland (freshwater) fisheries and marine fisheries. Other classifications include coastal, oceanic,
pelagic, demersal, riverine, and reservoir fisheries. Fisheries can also be divided into capture fisheries (obtaining
aquatic organisms from natural resources) and culture fisheries (rearing desired varieties in specific water bodies).
Location-based
•Inland/Freshwater
•Marine
•Coastal
•Oceanic
Method-based
•Capture fisheries
•Culture fisheries
Species-based
•Prawn fishery
•Mackerel fishery
•Shell fishery
•Cod fishery
Importance of Fisheries in
India
Fisheries is a crucial sector in India, providing nutritional security and livelihood support to over 15 million people. It
contributes 1.21% to the national GDP and 5.37% to the agricultural GDP. India's extensive coastline and Exclusive
Economic Zone offer diverse marine fishery resources with an annual harvestable potential of about 4.4 million metric
tonnes. The sector has witnessed spectacular growth of over 1100% in the last six decades, from 0.75 MT to 10.79 MT.
Nutritional Security
Major source of protein for millions
Employment
Supports over 15 million people
Economic
Contribution1.21% to national GDP, 5.37% to
agricultural GDP
Indian Fisheries
Resources
India's fisheries resources are vast and diverse. The country has a coastline of 8,118 km,
an Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.02 million sq. km, and a continental shelf of 0.530
million sq. km. Inland water resources include 195,210 km of rivers and canals, 3.15
million ha of reservoirs, 2.414 million ha of ponds and tanks, and 0.798 million ha of flood
plains and derelict waters. Additionally, there are 1.24 million ha of brackish waters
available for fisheries development.
Resource Extent
Coastline 8,118 km
Exclusive Economic Zone 2.02 million sq. km
Continental Shelf 0.530 million sq. km
Rivers and Canals 195,210 km
Reservoirs 3.15 million ha
Marine Fisheries in
India
India's marine fisheries sector is significant, with 3,288 marine fishing villages and 1,511 marine fish
landing centers across 9 maritime states and 2 union territories. The total marine fisherfolk
population is about 4 million, comprising 864,550 families, with 61% of families under the BPL
category. India's marine capture fish production has increased from 520,000 tonnes in 1950 to 3.15
million tonnes in 2007, with a diverse catch including oil sardines, shrimp, Indian mackerel, and
Bombay duck.
Fishing Villages
3,288 marine fishing villages across India
Landing Centers
1,511 marine fish landing centers
Fisherfolk
PopulationAbout 4 million people in 864,550 families
Production Growth
From 520,000 tonnes in 1950 to 3.15 million tonnes in 2007
Indian Fishing Fleet
The Indian fishing fleet is diverse, ranging from traditional catamarans and masula boats to
modern motorized fiberglass boats and mechanized trawlers. As of the latest census, there were
194,490 crafts in the fishery, with 37% mechanized, 37% motorized, and 26% non-motorized. Of the
167,957 crafts fully owned by fisherfolk, 53% were non-motorized, 24% motorized, and 23%
mechanized. Among mechanized crafts owned by fishermen, 29% were trawlers, 43% gillnetters,
and 19% dolnetters.
1
Traditional
Catamarans, masula boats, plank-built boats, dugout canoes
2
Transitional
Machwas, dhonis
3
Modern
Motorized fiberglass boats, mechanized trawlers, gillnetters
State-wise Marine Landings in India
(2019)
In 2019, India's marine fish production reached a record 3.56 million tonnes. The value of marine fish
landings at landing centers across the country was estimated at Rs.60,881 crore, a 15.6% increase
over 2018. Tamil Nadu led with 7.75 lakh tonnes, followed by Gujarat (7.49 LT), Kerala (5.44 LT), and
Maharashtra (0.944 LT). Other significant contributors included West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, and Goa.
Tamil Nadu
7.75 lakh tonnes
Gujarat
7.49 lakh tonnes
Kerala
5.44 lakh tonnes
Maharashtra
0.944 lakh tonnes
Marine Fishery Resources in
India
India's marine fishery resources are categorized into three main groups: pelagic, demersal, and oceanic. Pelagic
resources, including oil sardine, ribbon fish, and mackerel, account for 48% of the potential. Demersal resources,
such as shrimps, cephalopods, perches, and croakers, make up 47%. Oceanic resources, including tuna, bill fishes,
and sharks, represent 5% of the potential. This diverse resource base supports India's position as the third-largest
fish producer globally.
Pelagic (48%)
•Oil sardine
•Ribbon fish
•Mackerel
Demersal (47%)
•Shrimps
•Cephalopods
•Perches
•Croakers
Oceanic (5%)
•Tuna
•Bill fishes
•Sharks
Aquaculture Development in
India
Aquaculture is a rapidly growing sector in India, with an annual growth rate exceeding 7%. Freshwater
aquaculture contributes over 95% of the total annual aquaculture production of 5.77 million tonnes.
The country has established 429 Fish Farmers Development Agencies (FFDAs) and 39 Brackishwater
Fish Farms Development Agencies (BFDAs) to promote aquaculture. The annual carp seed
production has reached 40 billion fry, while shrimp production is about 54 billion post-larvae, with
increasing species diversification.
Growth Rate
Over 7% annually
Production
5.77 million tonnes
Agencies
429 FFDAs, 39 BFDAs
Seed Production
40 billion carp fry, 54 billion shrimp PL
Freshwater Fish Species in
India
India's freshwater fish fauna is incredibly diverse, with over 400 species identified in Indian rivers. These species are
categorized into various groups based on their characteristics and economic importance. The main categories include
Indian major carps, mahseer, minor carps, large catfish, featherbacks, air-breathing catfish, murrels, weed fish, and exotic
fish species introduced for aquaculture purposes.
Indian Major Carps
Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Catla catla
Mahseer
Tor tor, T. putitora, T. khudree
Catfish
Aorichthys aor, Wallago attu, Heteropneustes fossilis
Exotic Species
Oreochromis mossambicus, Cyprinus carpio, Tilapia
Carp Polyculture in
India
The development of induced carp breeding and polyculture techniques has significantly boosted freshwater aquaculture
production in India. The polyculture system typically involves three Indian major carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita, and
Cirrhinus mrigala) along with three exotic carps (including Cyprinus carpio) in ponds and tanks. This 'composite carp
culture' has led to increased productivity, with optimal yields ranging from 3-6 tonnes per hectare per year.
1
Induced Breeding
Development of techniques for
controlled reproduction of carps
2
Species Selection
Combination of Indian major carps and
exotic carps
3
Polyculture
Rearing multiple species together in
ponds and tanks
4
Increased Yield
Productivity boost to 3-6 tonnes per
hectare per year
Leading Aquaculture States in
India
Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have emerged as the top producers of freshwater fish through aquaculture in
India. These states have leveraged their natural resources, implemented advanced aquaculture techniques, and
benefited from supportive policies to achieve high production levels. Their success has contributed significantly to
India's position as the second-largest aquaculture country in the world, next only to China.
Andhra Pradesh
Known for extensive carp culture
in large water bodies and
innovative farming practices
West Bengal
Utilizes diverse water resources
including ponds, tanks, and
wetlands for fish farming
Key Factors
•Natural resources
•Advanced techniques
•Supportive policies
Growth of Indian Fisheries
Sector
The Indian fisheries sector has experienced remarkable growth since independence. Total fish
production has increased from a mere 7.5 lakh tonnes in 1950-51 to 11.41 million tonnes in 2016-17.
This growth is attributed to both inland and marine sectors, with the inland sector contributing 7.77
million tonnes and the marine sector 3.64 million tonnes. This significant increase reflects the
sector's importance in food security and economic development.
1950-51
7.5 lakh tonnes total production
Steady Growth
Expansion of both inland and marine sectors
2016-17
11.41 million tonnes total production
Sector Split
7.77 MT inland, 3.64 MT marine
Global Fish Production
Trends
The global fisheries and aquaculture sectors have undergone dramatic development in the last 70
years. Total world fish production increased from 19.3 million tonnes in 1950 to 163 million tonnes in
2009, and further to 210.90 million tonnes in 2018. This growth reflects the increasing importance of
fish as a source of food, nutrition, and livelihood worldwide.
1
1950
19.3 million tonnes global fish production
2
2009
163 million tonnes global fish production
3
2018
210.90 million tonnes global fish production
4
2023
230.5 million tonnes global fish production (estimate)
Global Capture Fisheries
Production
In 2023, global capture fisheries production reached 99.2 million tonnes, an increase of 2.9 percent
from 2018. This increase was primarily driven by marine capture fisheries, with production from
marine areas rising to 87.1 million tonnes in 2023, up from 84.4 million in 2018. China, Indonesia,
Peru, India, Russia, the United States, and Vietnam were the top contributors, accounting for 52% of
global capture production.
Total Production
99.2 million tonnes in 2023
Growth Rate
2.9% increase from 2018
Marine Capture
87.1 million tonnes in 2023
Top Contributors
China, Indonesia, Peru, India, Russia, USA, Vietnam (52% of total)
Most Popular Captured Fish
Species
In global capture fisheries, certain species dominate the catch due to their abundance and commercial value. In 2023, the
most popular fish species caught were Anchoveta (Engraulis ringens) with over 7.2 million tonnes, followed by Alaska
pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) at 3.6 million tonnes, and Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) ranking third at 3.4
million tonnes. Tuna and tuna-like species continued their year-on-year increase, reaching over 8.2 million tonnes in 2023,
primarily due to catches in the Western and Central Pacific.
Anchoveta
Over 7.2 million tonnes
Alaska Pollock
3.6 million tonnes
Skipjack Tuna
3.4 million tonnes
Global Aquaculture
Production
Aquaculture has become a significant contributor to global fish production. In 2023, world
aquaculture production reached 120.3 million tonnes in live weight, with a total farmgate sale value of
USD 280.2 billion. This production consisted of 87.4 million tonnes of aquatic animals, 32.9 million
tonnes of aquatic algae, and 27,000 tonnes of ornamental seashells and pearls. Inland aquaculture
produced 54.1 million tonnes of aquatic animals, accounting for 62.9 percent of the world's farmed
food fish production.
Aquatic Animals
87.4 million tonnes
Aquatic Algae
32.9 million tonnes
Ornamentals
27,000 tonnes
Inland Aquaculture
54.1 million tonnes
Leading Aquaculture
Producers
Asia has dominated world aquaculture production of farmed aquatic animals, maintaining an 89
percent share over the last two decades. Among major producing countries, China, India, Indonesia,
Vietnam, Bangladesh, Egypt, Norway, and Chile have consolidated their share in regional or world
production to varying degrees. These countries have invested heavily in aquaculture technology,
infrastructure, and policies to boost their production capacities.
Asia's Dominance
89% share of global aquaculture production
Top Producers
China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh
Other Key Players
Egypt, Norway, Chile
Success Factors
Technology, infrastructure, supportive policies
Global Fisheries and Aquaculture
Employment
The fisheries and aquaculture sector is a major source of employment worldwide. In 2023, an estimated 62.3 million
people were engaged in the primary sector of fisheries and aquaculture. Of this total, about 22.1 million people were
employed in aquaculture and 40.2 million in fisheries. Asia continues to dominate the global workforce in this sector,
accounting for 86 percent of the world total. Notably, women play a crucial role throughout the fish value chain,
although they account for just 15 percent of the 62.3 million people engaged in the primary sector.
Total Employment
62.3 million people
Sector Split
22.1 million in aquaculture
40.2 million in fisheries
Regional
Distribution
86% of workers in Asia
World's Fishing Fleet
In 2023, the total number of fishing vessels across the world was estimated to be 4.8 million. Asia
continues to have the largest fleet, reflecting its high number of workers in the fisheries and
aquaculture sector. The Asian fleet comprises 3.3 million vessels, accounting for 69 percent of the
global total. Of the global fleet, an estimated 3.1 million vessels, or 65 percent, are motorized. This
diverse fleet ranges from small-scale artisanal boats to large industrial vessels, reflecting the varied
nature of fishing operations worldwide.
Total Fleet
4.8 million vessels
Asian Fleet
3.3 million vessels (69%)
Motorized Vessels
3.1 million (65%)
Global Fish
Utilization
In 2023, about 88 percent of the 182 million tonnes of total fish production was utilized for direct
human consumption. The remaining 12 percent was used for non-food purposes, such as fishmeal
and fish oil production. Fresh or chilled fish represented the largest share of fish utilized for direct
human consumption, accounting for 44 percent. Fishmeal and fish oil are considered the most
nutritious and digestible ingredients for farmed fish, with fish oil being the richest source of
long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Total Production
182 million tonnes
Human
Consumption88% (160.16 million tonnes)
Non-food Uses
12% (21.84 million tonnes)
Fresh/Chilled Fish
44% of human consumption
Fish Contribution to Global
Nutrition
Fish plays a crucial role in global nutrition, providing about 3.3 billion people with almost 20 percent
of their average per capita intake of animal protein. In 2017, fish accounted for about 17 percent of
total animal protein and 7 percent of all proteins consumed globally. Per capita fish food
consumption has risen significantly, from 9.0 kg (live weight equivalent) in 1961 to 20.3 kg in 2017,
with preliminary estimates for 2018 standing at 20.5 kg. This increase reflects the growing
importance of fish in global diets and food security.
1
1961
9.0 kg per capita fish consumption
2
2017
20.3 kg per capita fish consumption
3
2018 (Estimate)
20.5 kg per capita fish consumption
Global Fish Trade
Fish and fish products are among the most traded food items in the world. In 2023, 72 million tonnes
of fish (live weight equivalent) were traded internationally for a total export value of USD 172 billion.
This represents almost 40 percent of all fish caught or farmed worldwide. China is the main exporter
of fish and fish products, followed by Norway and Vietnam. The extensive trade network reflects the
global nature of the fisheries and aquaculture sector and its importance in international commerce.
Trade Volume
72 million tonnes (live weight equivalent)
Export Value
USD 172 billion
Trade Percentage
40% of all fish caught or farmed
Top Exporters
China, Norway, Vietnam
Future Projections for Global
Fisheries
World fish production, consumption, and trade are expected to increase, but with a growth rate that will slow over time.
Total fish production is projected to expand from 179 million tonnes in 2018 to 190 million tonnes in 2023 and 204
million tonnes in 2030. Aquaculture production is expected to reach 103 million tonnes in 2023 and 109 million tonnes in
2030, an increase of 29% (24 million tonnes) and 32% (26 million tonnes) respectively over 2018. These projections
indicate continued growth in the sector, albeit at a more moderate pace than in previous decades.
2018
179 million tonnes total fish production
2023 (Projected)
190 million tonnes total fish production
2030 Projection
204 million tonnes total fish production
Aquaculture in
2023
103 million tonnes (29% increase from 2018)
Aquaculture in
2030
109 million tonnes (32% increase from 2018)
Global Seafood Market
Trends
The global seafood market is experiencing significant growth and is expected to expand considerably
over the next several years. In 2017, the global seafood market was valued at 125.2 billion U.S. dollars
and is projected to grow to 155.32 billion dollars by 2023. This growth reflects increasing consumer
demand for seafood products, driven by factors such as population growth, rising incomes, and
growing awareness of the health benefits of fish consumption.
1
2017
Global seafood market valued at $125.2 billion
2
Growth Period
Increasing consumer demand and market expansion
3
2023 Projection
Market expected to reach $155.32 billion