Global production of fish, seafood and other aquatic organisms reached a record 235 million tonnes in 2024, according to the latest report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Fish and seafood play an important role in global food security, particularly as the world’s population continues to grow. Rising demand also makes the sustainable management of wild fish stocks increasingly important.
“Demand for fish and seafood is growing every year because the global population is increasing. The world currently has around 8 billion inhabitants, while estimates suggest that it could reach 10 billion by 2050. Fish and seafood are valuable sources of high-quality protein, which is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. They are also a source of low-emission, renewable food,” Gabriela Kotkowska, Marketing and Communications Manager for Poland and Central Europe at the Marine Stewardship Council, told the Newseria news agency.
Of the 235 million tonnes of fish, seafood and other aquatic products produced worldwide in 2024, 40 million tonnes consisted of algae and 195 million tonnes of aquatic animals. Of the latter, 92 million tonnes came from the capture of wild fish and other aquatic organisms.
These figures mean that almost 175 tonnes of wild aquatic organisms were harvested from seas, oceans and inland waters every minute, according to the FAO report The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026.
“Growing demand for fish and seafood means increasing pressure on marine ecosystems. Data from the latest global fisheries and aquaculture report prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations shows that overfishing continues to increase,” Kotkowska said.
FAO data indicates that 37.6% of the world’s fish stocks are currently overfished. In the 1970s, the figure was only 10%.
“Responsible fisheries management is therefore urgently needed. It forms the basis of the MSC Fisheries Standard, through which our organisation supports fisheries around the world in introducing sustainable fishing practices,” the MSC representative stressed.
Global fisheries harvest almost 3,000 species
According to the FAO report, global catches currently include almost 3,000 species of aquatic animals. Fish account for approximately 85% of the total catch.
Small pelagic species, such as anchovies, sardines and herring, make up the largest share. Tuna and tuna-like species also play a significant role. They are among the most economically valuable species and are particularly important to fisheries in tropical regions.
Another important group consists of bottom-dwelling fish, including cod, hake and pollock. These species are found mainly on continental shelves, making them more accessible than deep-sea or highly migratory species.
“This diversity provides greater opportunities to diversify food production than conventional livestock farming or crop cultivation. It also allows fishing and consumption to be reduced for particular species whose populations are in poor condition at a given time, helping to prevent overfishing,” Kotkowska said.
“Overfishing must not be ignored because it is not only an environmental problem. The global population is growing, and we will have to ensure that people have enough food. Fish and seafood have an enormous role to play in this respect. Healthy fish stocks are a foundation of global food security.”
Seafood provides essential protein to billions of people
In 2023, fish and seafood provided at least 20% of the animal protein consumed by 3.1 billion people, representing more than 40% of the global population.
Marine and ocean resources are also of major economic importance. In 2024, the fisheries sector employed 65 million people, 56% of whom worked in capture fisheries.
“Fishing is a source of income for many coastal communities. We must remember that when fish stocks become overfished and fishing is prohibited, these people can lose their jobs overnight,” Kotkowska said.
One example is the collapse of the northern cod population. In the 1990s, stocks off the coast of Canada were overfished, the population collapsed and a complete fishing ban was introduced.
“As a result, 40,000 fishers and people employed in the fishing industry lost their jobs virtually overnight,” she added.
Polish consumers are concerned about the condition of the oceans
A survey conducted in early 2026 by the independent research agency GlobeScan found that 87% of Polish respondents were concerned about the condition of the oceans.
Meanwhile, 74% believed that, to help protect marine ecosystems, people should consume only fish and seafood obtained from sustainable fisheries.
“Sustainable fisheries that meet the rigorous requirements of the MSC Fisheries Standard can help address this challenge. Under these requirements, fishing is carried out in a way that allows fish stocks to replenish naturally, preventing overfishing,” Kotkowska explained.
“Sustainable fishing also minimises its impact on other animals living in the ocean and on the wider marine ecosystem. This makes oceans healthier and more resilient to threats such as overfishing and climate change.”
More than 700 fisheries are currently involved in the MSC programme. Together, they account for approximately 20% of the global wild catch.
