The term “overall fish catch” encompasses both fish harvested from wild populations in oceans and freshwaters, known as capture fisheries, and fish raised in controlled environments through aquaculture. Examining trends in both wild catch and aquaculture over the past three decades provides insight into the changing dynamics of how the world sources its fish.
Tracking the Global Wild Catch
Global wild fish catch has largely plateaued since the mid-1990s, fluctuating between approximately 80 and 96 million tonnes annually. While total capture fisheries production has remained relatively stable for decades, there have been notable shifts in the composition of these catches. Some regions have seen declines in fish populations, leading to a move towards harvesting species lower on the food chain. This phenomenon, often termed “fishing down the food web,” occurs as higher trophic level species become depleted.
Despite this overall stability in volume, the proportion of fish stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels has decreased over time. However, a more recent assessment from 2025 indicates that 64.5% of global marine fish stocks are fished within biologically sustainable limits, while 35.5% are overfished. These figures highlight persistent challenges in managing wild fish populations.
The Ascent of Aquaculture
Aquaculture has experienced rapid and significant growth over the last three decades, outpacing other animal protein production sectors. Between 1990 and 2020, total world aquaculture output expanded by 609%.
For the first time in history, the volume of aquatic animals harvested through farming surpassed that caught in the wild in 2022. In that year, aquaculture produced over 94 million tonnes of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic animals, compared to 91 million tonnes from wild capture. Aquaculture now provides over 57% of aquatic animal products consumed directly by humans. Asia is responsible for more than 90% of global aquaculture production.
Major Influences on Catch Patterns
The trends in wild capture fisheries have been shaped by several factors, including historical overfishing which has depleted many fish stocks. Advancements in fishing technology, such as larger vessels and more efficient gear, have increased the capacity to harvest fish, sometimes exceeding sustainable limits. Environmental changes, including climate change and phenomena like El Niño, can also significantly impact fish populations and their distribution. In response, improved fisheries management practices, such as quotas and protected areas, have been implemented in various regions to promote sustainability.
The expansion of aquaculture has been driven by a combination of technological innovations and growing market demand. Breakthroughs in areas like feed formulation, disease management, and water quality control have enhanced productivity and efficiency in fish farming. Policy support and investments in research and development have also played a role in fostering the growth of the aquaculture sector.
Impact on Fish Stocks and Food Supply
Global fish catch trends have varied consequences for marine ecosystems and human nutrition. For wild capture fisheries, the persistent overfishing of 35.5% of assessed stocks poses a threat to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. While some regions with strong management practices show higher sustainability rates, disparities exist, indicating ongoing challenges for many fish populations.
The significant growth of aquaculture has played a role in global food security by providing a stable and increasing source of protein to a growing world population. Aquatic foods are rich in essential nutrients and contribute substantially to diets worldwide, with per capita consumption increasing significantly over recent decades. However, the rapid expansion of aquaculture also carries environmental implications, including potential habitat alteration, such as the destruction of mangrove forests for shrimp farms, and the release of waste, uneaten food, and chemicals into surrounding waters. These impacts can lead to nutrient build-up, oxygen depletion, and the potential transfer of diseases or parasites to wild fish populations.