Aquaculture could create up to 22 million new jobs by 2050, according to a report highlighting a $1.5 trillion investment opportunity in the sector. The report, "Harnessing the Waters: A Trillion Dollar Investment Opportunity in Sustainable Aquaculture," was produced by the World Bank and the World Wildlife Fund.
The report suggests that current investments of $0.5 trillion could increase aquaculture growth by 1.9 percent to 159 million metric tons, excluding seaweeds, generating between 8 and 14 million new jobs by 2050. However, an investment of $1.5 trillion in more ambitious measures could boost global aquaculture production to 255 million metric tons by 2050 and create between 13 and 22 million jobs.
“To realize aquaculture’s full potential, we must shift toward practices that are not only productive but also environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically viable,” said Genevieve Connors, acting Global Director Department of Environment at the World Bank. “This is a call to action – to deepen collaboration, to invest boldly in new aquaculture technologies, and to foster stronger alignment between public and private sectors.”
As global seafood demand rises and wild fisheries reach their limits, aquaculture has become crucial for food security, economic growth, and sustainability. It accounts for nearly 60 percent of global seafood production with the lowest carbon footprint among animal protein sectors.
“Aquaculture is among the most sustainable ways to produce animal protein and will be essential in feeding the world’s growing population,” stated Sergio Nates, Senior Director for Aquaculture at WWF. “As the sector continues to expand, it holds immense potential to deliver positive social impact globally. It’s critical that we guide this growth through sustainable and responsible production practices.”
The report emphasizes innovative financing as necessary for scaling up in emerging markets. It analyzes investment trends shaping future industry development while stressing a transition from small-scale to intensive production for sustainable growth.
Insights were drawn from mature industries in Bangladesh, Chile, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Thailand, and Vietnam on financial mechanisms influencing development. The document aims at financial institutions looking into blue economy portfolios as seafood production is expected to rise by 14 percent by 2032.