A Global Aquaculture and Aquafeed Production Update: 2010 to 2023

In March 2025, the FAO released updated global aquaculture production statistics via its FishStat database. This review summarizes key trends from the past decade and complements this information with estimates on fed and unfed species and commercial aquafeed usage. In 2023, total aquaculture production reached a record high of 136. 16 million tonnes (Mt; live wet weight equivalent basis; fish 63. 84 Mt, seaweeds 37. 64 Mt, molluscs 19. 52 Mt, crustaceans 13. 69 Mt, reptiles and amphibians 0. 86 Mt, and miscellaneous aquatic invertebrate animals 0. 61 Mt), valued at US365. 98 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4. 38% since 2010 (FAO, 2025a). Mainland China remains the leading producer of farmed aquatic species at 57. 5% of total global production in 2023. The top five cultivated species in 2023 by volume were primarily non-fish species (three seaweeds, one shrimp, and one bivalve mollusc) with freshwater fish representing 84. 10% of total fish production or 53. 69 Mt. Among major fed species, Chinese carps, marine shrimp, and tilapia dominated production. Global commercial aquafeed production was estimated at 69. 42Mt in 2023, with projections rising to 75. 85 Mt by 2025 and 92. 73 Mt by 2030. The rapid expansion of fed species, particularly those higher in the aquatic food chain, highlights growing demand for sustainable feed resources. To ensure aquaculture remains part of the global food solution, future feed ingredients must be sustainably sourced, and prioritize feed-grade inputs, develop sustainable alternatives, and promote responsible resource-efficient production practices.