UN Report: Global Fishery and Aquaculture Production Hits Record Highs

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations released a report on the 16th saying that global fishery and aquaculture production reached a record high in 2024, but the industry still faces challenges such as sustainable development.

In the report titled The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026, it is estimated that in 2024 global fishery and aquaculture production reached a record 235 million tons, of which output of aquatic animals was 195 million tons.

The report forecasts that global aquatic animal production, consumption, and trade will continue to grow, and that by 2034 the world’s total aquatic animal production will increase to 214 million tons.

The report says that the role of aquatic animals in human dietary patterns is becoming increasingly prominent. Globally, about 3.1 billion people consume animal protein, at least one-fifth of which comes from aquatic animals. Related industries support the livelihoods of more than 600 million people.

The report also points out that the benefits of the industry’s development are not distributed evenly. For example, in 2023, per capita supply of aquatic animal food in Asia was 26.3 kilograms, while in Africa it was only 9.1 kilograms.

Factors such as climate change, environmental degradation, economic shocks, and geopolitical changes are also posing challenges to the industry’s sustainable development.

In the foreword to the report, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said that a healthy planet needs healthy oceans and inland waters more than ever before, and that all parties must work together to reverse the trend of declining sustainability, ensuring the long-term development of the fisheries and aquaculture industry for the benefit of future generations. (Xinhua News Agency)