July 10, 2012

World's aquaculture output may rise 33% in coming years

As healthy and nutritious food gains popularity while fishing deteriorates, aquaculture output is anticipated to rise 33% over the next decade helping to meet the world's growing demand for fish, the United Nations' food agency said on Monday (July 9).

World fisheries and aquaculture production is projected to rise to about 172 million tonnes in 2021, 15% up from the average level for 2009-11, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said in a report.

A 33% surge in output of aquaculture, or farming fish, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic plants, over the period of 2012-21 to 79 million tonnes compared with the 3% growth of capture fisheries, it said.

"Aquaculture will remain one of the fastest-growing animal food-producing sectors," the report said.

By 2018, farmed fish is expected to exceed captured fish for human consumption for the first time and its share is seen at 52% in 2021.

Fish demand has been on the rise because fish and fishery products represent a valuable source of protein and essential micronutrients for balanced nutrition and good health.

In 2009, fish accounted for 16.6% of the world population's intake of animal protein and 6.5% of all protein consumed, the FAO said.

World per-capita apparent fish consumption is expected to rise to 19.6 kilogrammes in 2021, 16% higher than the average level for 2009-11, but the pace of growth will slow as prices rise, it said.

World trade of fish for human consumption is expected to expand by 25% in 2012-21 and fisheries supply chains would continue to be globalised, with a significant share of total fishery production being exported, the report said.