The Dominance of Aquaculture over Capture Fishing

Aquaculture, the farming of aquatic animals, has surpassed conventional capture-style fishing in terms of production, as reported in the UN Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026. This shift has been significant since 2013, with China and other Asian countries contributing to this trend, as well as a growing presence in African nations.

Aquaculture involves growing fish or other aquatic animals in controlled environments, as opposed to capturing them in open water. It can be categorized as fed or non-fed aquaculture. Non-fed aquaculture includes species that obtain nutrients from the surrounding environment without artificial feeding, typically filter-feeding species like certain carps and bivalve molluscs.

These methods are often considered more environmentally sustainable because they require fewer inputs, generate minimal waste, and naturally filter the water.

While there are concerns about potential environmental harm caused by aquaculture, such as pollution from large ponds or cages, the report suggests that addressing these issues may be more feasible than tackling the environmental problems associated with traditional capture overfishing, such as species extinction.