Improving Productivity and Environmental Performance of Aquaculture

To meet projected global demand, aquaculture production must increase from 67 million tons in 2012 to approximately 140 million tons by 2050. While this growth could provide 14 percent of the additional animal protein needed by 2050, it poses significant environmental challenges. The report finds that 'business as usual' growth would likely double most environmental impacts, though specific scenarios involving renewable energy and improved efficiency could mitigate these effects. The authors recommend a combination of technological innovation in breeding and feeds, spatial planning, shifted incentives, advanced information technology for monitoring, and a dietary shift toward low-trophic species like tilapia and carp to ensure sustainable intensification.

• Global aquaculture production needs to more than double by 2050, increasing from 67 million tons (Mt) in 2012 to roughly 140 Mt, to meet projected fish demand.
• The projected growth in aquaculture could supply 14 percent of the additional animal protein required by 2050 and increase employment and income, particularly in developing countries.
• Environmental impacts of aquaculture vary by species and intensity; bivalve mollusks perform well across all categories, while catfish and shrimp have high greenhouse gas intensity.
• Intensification of aquaculture creates a trade-off: it reduces the amount of land and freshwater used per unit of fish but increases energy use, fish-based feed requirements, water pollution, and disease risks.
• Under 'business as usual' growth to 140 Mt by 2050, most environmental impacts are expected to roughly double compared to 2010 levels.
• The most effective way to reduce environmental impacts is to implement a variety of solutions simultaneously, such as improved input efficiency, renewable energy use, and the replacement of fishmeal with crop-based ingredients.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Improving Productivity and Environmental Performance of Aquaculture. https://www.wri.org/research/improving-productivity-and-environmental-performance-aquaculture

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Improving Productivity and Environmental Performance of Aquaculture. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/improving-productivity-and-environmental-performance-aquaculture.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Improving Productivity and Environmental Performance of Aquaculture |url=https://www.wri.org/research/improving-productivity-and-environmental-performance-aquaculture |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendimproving, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Improving Productivity and Environmental Performance of Aquaculture}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/improving-productivity-and-environmental-performance-aquaculture}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }