Global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a historic high of 235 million tonnes in 2024, underscoring the growing role of aquatic foods in feeding the world’s population, even as Africa faces persistent challenges in access, production and sustainability.
This was disclosed in the latest State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report launched on Tuesday by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation at the ongoing Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.
Presenting the report at a side event organised by the organisation, FAO Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Manuel Barange, said the sector continues to expand rapidly but warned that sustainable and equitable growth remains a major global challenge.
According to the report, aquatic animal production reached 195 million tonnes in 2024, growing steadily at an average annual rate of 3.2 per cent since 1950. About 89 per cent of the production is destined for human consumption, while average per capita availability now exceeds 21 kilogrammes annually.
The report noted that aquatic food systems employed about 65 million people globally in 2024, playing critical roles in rural economies and coastal communities. Women account for 27 per cent of employment in primary production and 56 per cent in processing activities.
