Global fish consumption is growing at 3% per year since 2000 and reached an all time high of 151 million tonnes in 2015. This growing demand is driven by population and income growth as well as urbanization and trade liberalization. Modern consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and the environment and become more aware of the crucial role of fish in nutrition as a valuable source of fundamental nutrients.
In 2016, wild capture accounted for 47% of total fish production for food consumption. Nevertheless, wild fishing is approaching its sustainable limit with around 90% of the world’s stocks now fully exploited (58%) or overfished (31%), while only 11% are not exploited to their full potential. Catch reduction policies and quotas are being implemented to reduce pressure on overexploited stocks.
Aquaculture is the solution to fill the widening gap between growing consumer demand for fish and seafood and stagnating wild capture fisheries, representing in 2016 53% of total fish production for food consumption. It is today the fastest growing food sector, growing at 6% per year.
A new generation aquaculture is today on the rise. Classic extensive and intensive aquaculture methods raise many environmental and health concerns in terms of animal welfare, environmental impact and food safety. Aquaculture must adapt and adopt innovative and sustainable farming technologies, which are at the core of Aquagreen’s values and mission.