Aquaculture is increasingly recognized as a crucial component in addressing global food security challenges, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. As the fastest-growing food production sector, aquaculture now provides most of the world's seafood and has the potential to create up to 22 million new jobs by 2050. This expansion hinges on stakeholders capitalizing on a $1.5 trillion investment opportunity over the same period.
The report highlights that governments, development finance institutions, and private investors are pivotal in scaling sustainable aquaculture and mitigating investor risks. Countries such as Ecuador, Chile, Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh are at the forefront of this movement with significant exports and domestic markets for shrimp, salmon, Pangasius, carp, and Black Tiger Shrimp.
With wild fisheries nearing their limits due to rising global seafood demand, sustainable aquaculture emerges as essential for maintaining food security while also contributing to economic growth and reducing greenhouse emissions. The sector now accounts for nearly 60 percent of global seafood production.
The report positions aquaculture as a promising opportunity for building a more sustainable food system over the next 25 years. It outlines a $1.5 trillion investment opportunity that could generate substantial employment opportunities for youth and women while curbing rural-urban migration.
Drawing from mature aquaculture industries in Bangladesh, Chile, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Thailand, and Vietnam, the report examines financial mechanisms shaping future investments in sustainable aquaculture. It emphasizes that transitioning from small-scale to more intensive production is necessary to reach full potential.
Aquaculture's shift from niche to mainstream investment strategy offers diversification with strong long-term returns. Projections indicate an additional 60 million metric tons of annual production under "business-as-usual" growth forecasts or an additional 97 million metric tons with targeted investments over the next 25 years.
Public-private partnerships remain key players in this transition alongside green finance innovations like sustainability-linked loans and blue bonds which are unlocking capital for responsible growth within the industry.