Aquaculture could generate as many as 22 million new jobs by 2050, according to a new report that foresees a $1.5 trillion investment opportunity in the sector over the same period.
Produced by the World Bank and the World Wildlife Fund, Harnessing the Waters: A Trillion Dollar Investment Opportunity in Sustainable Aquaculture positions aquaculture as one of the most promising opportunities for building a more sustainable food system over the next 25 years.
Based on the sector’s current trajectory, business-as-usual investments of US$0.5 trillion could increase growth of aquaculture at a rate of 1.9 per cent to 159 million metric tons – excluding seaweeds – and generate 8 to 14 million new jobs by 2050. In contrast, investing US$1.5 trillion in more ambitious measures could increase global aquaculture production to 255 million metric tons by 2050, almost 100 million metric tons higher than the “business-as-usual” case, 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, 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.”
said Genevieve Connors, acting Global Director Department of Environment at the World Bank
With global seafood demand rising and wild fisheries stretched to their limits, aquaculture has become essential to food security, economic growth, and sustainability, and is now responsible for nearly 60 percent of global seafood production. Aquaculture also has the lowest carbon footprint and lowest greenhouse gas emissions of all animal protein production sectors.
“Aquaculture is among the most sustainable ways to produce animal protein and will be essential in feeding the world’s growing population. 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.”
said Sergio Nates, Senior Director for Aquaculture at WWF
In order to reach its full potential, the sector now requires innovative financing to scale, particularly in emerging markets. The report analyzes investment trends and financial mechanisms shaping the industry’s future, concluding that aquaculture’s sustainable growth potential requires a significant transition from small-scale to more intensive production.
The report draws insights from seven mature aquaculture industries across the globe – Bangladesh, Chile, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Thailand and Vietnam – examining how financial mechanisms and evolving roles of public and private sectors have shaped their development to inform future investments in sustainable aquaculture. It establishes sustainable aquaculture as a pillar of global food systems and showcases financing models for aquaculture expansion and investment risks and opportunities.
The report is designed for financial institutions, governments, philanthropies, and private investors looking to expand their portfolios in the blue economy, and with seafood production expected to increase by 14 percent by 2032, aquaculture offers just that opportunity.
ABOUT THE REPORT
With global seafood demand rising and wild fisheries stretched to their limits, sustainable aquaculture has become essential to food security and economic growth, and it plays a major role in reducing greenhouse emissions and limiting environmental damage. Now responsible for nearly 60 percent of global seafood production, it is ever more critical for meeting the demand for dietary protein and reducing food insecurity.
This report offers insights to public and private sector investors, positioning aquaculture among the most promising opportunities for building a more sustainable food system over the next 25 years. It identifies a $1.5 trillion investment opportunity that could generate as many as 22 million new jobs by 2050 – expanding employment for youth and creating greater economic opportunities for women – and curbing rural-urban migration.
Drawing insights from seven mature aquaculture industries across the globe – Bangladesh, Chile, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Thailand and Viet Nam – the report examines how financial mechanisms, and the evolving roles of the public and private sectors informs future investments in sustainable aquaculture.
The report analyzes investment trends and financial mechanisms shaping the industry’s future, concluding that aquaculture’s growth potential requires a significant transition from small-scale to more intensive production. To reach its full potential, the sector now requires innovative financing at scale, particularly in emerging markets helping small scale farmers improve productivity through adoption of improved farming practices.
MAIN FINDINGS
- Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector, now supplying most of the world’s seafood. Demand continues to rise as wild fisheries reach maximum yield.
- Aquaculture is shifting from a niche to a mainstream investment strategy, offering diversification and strong long-term returns.
- A “business-as-usual” growth forecast projects an additional 60 million metric tons of annual aquaculture production over the next 25 years. On the other hand, an upside growth scenario involving targeted investments projects an additional 97 million metric tons of annual production over the same period.
- Top aquaculture industries offer strong returns by focusing on different markets: shrimp in Ecuador, salmon in Chile, Pangasius in Vietnam are leading global exports, while Carp in China and Black Tiger Shrimp in Bangladesh are primarily supplying their own domestic markets.
- Public-private partnerships and development finance are key: Governments, development finance institutions, and private investors including Philanthropies and concessional investors will continue playing a critical role in scaling sustainable aquaculture and reducing investor risks.
- Green finance is reshaping investments: Sustainability-linked loans and blue bonds are unlocking capital for responsible aquaculture growth.
