The aquaculture market is emerging as one of the most promising food-production arenas. According to MRFR recent data, its value in 2024 stood at approximately USD 160.9 billion, with expectations to reach about USD 314.8 billion by 2035 This trajectory signals major opportunities for investors, farm operators and technology providers alike.

Industry Overview

Aquaculture’s role in global nutrition is expanding. The sector spans freshwater fish farms, marine cage systems, brackish-water ponds and even land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). With wild‐fish stocks under pressure and consumption of seafood rising globally, the business case for aquaculture is ever stronger. Moreover, environmental and regulatory pressures are nudging the industry toward more controlled, efficient and sustainable operations.

Key Players’ Role

Leading firms are redefining the game. AquaBounty Technologies is leveraging biotechnology to produce faster-growing fish, which reduces time to market and feed waste. On the aquafeed side, Dainichi Corporation has built a strong reputation for species-specific feed formulations and global distribution Other important names (such as Mowi, Thai Union Group and Grieg Seafood) are advancing production, sustainability certifications and strategic expansions.  Together, these companies are leading a shift toward industrial-scale aquaculture with robust supply-chains and global reach.

Segmentation Growth

Detailed segmentation reveals strong pockets of growth:

• Environment: Freshwater aquaculture is dominant and projected to more than double in value by 2035. The marine water category is also showing healthy expansion.
• Type: Fish (the broad category) remains the largest sub-segment, but premium segments like crustaceans and molluscs offer higher margins and are picking up pace.
• Region: The Asia-Pacific region leads by a wide margin owing to favourable geography, large coastal zones and rising domestic consumption. Australia, Southeast Asia and parts of China and India stand out. Europe and North America follow with more technology-intensive operations.

Market Outlook

The anticipated CAGR of 6.29 % (2025-2035) reflects robust market momentum. Key drivers include the increasing consumption of seafood as consumers focus on health and diet diversity, plus the adoption of advanced aquaculture technologies (monitoring, feed efficiency, breeding). Additionally, sustainability is shifting from nice-to-have to must-have. Regulations and consumer preferences are pushing farms to adopt more environmentally sound methods.

From an investor’s angle, the time is ripe. Opportunities span:

• developing land-based systems in regions with limited coastline;
• investing in feed and biotech for better conversion ratios;
• tapping premium seafood segments;
• integrating data analytics and monitoring to reduce losses and improve sustainability credentials.

In conclusion, the aquaculture field is at an inflection point. Firms that combine operational excellence, sustainable credentials and smart technology adoption will likely capture outsized share in the coming decade.

Article 3: Sustainability and Scale: The Future of Aquaculture

Preparing for a future where seafood demand outpaces wild-catch capacity, the aquaculture market Is scaling rapidly. From a valuation of about USD 160.9 billion in 2024 to a forecast of nearly USD 314.8 billion by 2035, the industry is on a compelling growth arc. This expansion is tightly linked to sustainability, scale-up and innovation.

Industry Overview

Aquaculture spans a wide set of operations—from simple pond systems in rural areas to high-tech recirculating systems near metropolitan zones. The rise of middle classes around the globe has stimulated greater seafood consumption, raising demand for reliable and sustainable supply. Moreover, with wild fish stocks under strain and environmental considerations climbing, aquaculture is increasingly seen as a key pillar in global food security.

Key Players’ Role

Market leaders are setting standards. For instance, AquaBounty Technologies is pioneering the use of biotechnology in fish production to enhance growth performance and feed efficiency, all while aiming to reduce environmental impact. Dainichi Corporation, meanwhile, focuses on advanced aquafeed solutions and global delivery networks—ensuring the right nutrition supports healthy farmed species.  Firms such as Mowi and Thai Union Group are also scaling their operations internationally and aligning with sustainability metrics, such as certification and traceability.

Segmentation Growth

Several segments show strong expansion potential:

• Environment: Freshwater systems continue to dominate; for example, the freshwater segment is projected to grow from US $80 billion in 2024 to about US $165 billion in 2035. Marine water and brackish settings also present growth opportunities, though with varying regional dynamics.
• Type: The category of “fish” remains foundational; yet crustaceans and molluscs, often higher-value, are seeing steeper growth in some regions.
• Region: Asia-Pacific leads the way—valued near US $70 billion in 2024—driven by favourable geographies, rising domestic demand and expanding aquaculture infrastructure. Europe and North America exhibit more mature but still steady growth, emphasizing technology and sustainability.

Market Outlook

With an expected CAGR of approximately 6.29 % through 2035, the aquaculture sector is set for stable upward movement. Three major enablers stand out:

• Consumer demand: As awareness around health, nutrition and dietary diversity grows, seafood becomes more attractive—and aquaculture can fulfill that.
• Technology adoption: From automated feeding and water-quality monitoring to breeding advances and data analytics, tech is making aquaculture more efficient and scalable.
• Sustainability pressure: Environmentally responsible farming practices, certification systems and regulatory oversight are becoming differentiators in the marketplace.

For industry stakeholders, the message is clear: prioritise sustainable methods, adopt smart technologies, and target high-growth segments and geographies. Those who build these capabilities now are likely to lead the next wave of aquaculture expansion.