Equitable access to adequate food and nutrition for all

Aquatic food

Aquatic blue food—derived from aquatic animals, plants, or algae—requires the adoption of sustainable and climate-adaptive fisheries and aquaculture to build a resilient aquatic food sector capable of providing healthy and sustainable products to the world’s population.

Axis: Transforming Agriculture and Food Systems

Key Objective: Equitable access to adequate food and nutrition for all

Why it matters

Demand for aquatic food is rising. Today, 17% of the global population relies on food derived from aquatic animals, plants, or algae for their protein intake, and by 2027, the global market is projected to reach US$199 billion. Meanwhile, the wellbeing of many coastal communities—whose food security and livelihoods depend on these resources—is at risk due to unsustainable fishing practices and climate-induced changes in the ocean. Blue foods sit at the nexus of climate change, oceans, biodiversity, poverty reduction, equity and human rights, and food and nutrition security.

1)17% of the global population relies on food derived from aquatic animals, plants, or algae for their protein intake

2) By 2027, the global market is projected to reach US$199 billion

17%

17% of the global population relies on food derived from aquatic animals, plants, or algae for their protein intake

199

US$199 billion global market projected by 2027

1) FAO, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a2090042-8cda-4f35-9881-16f6302ce757/content

2) CAGR: The Insight Partners, 2022. https://www.theinsightpartners.com/en/reports/seafood-market