The State of World Fisheries & Aquaculture 2026

June 18, 2026 Published by:Isaac Amoah

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 provides the most up-to-date data and information, on trends, challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping the sector. It also assesses the state and health of marine fishery resources.

Widely recognized as a leading reference for policymakers, resource managers, scientists, producers, industry stakeholders and civil society, the report offers a global perspective on the role of aquatic food systems in food security, nutrition, livelihoods and sustainable development.

This edition presents tangible progress towards Blue Transformation, highlighting how countries and partners are turning ambition in action through innovation, science, responsible management, and community engagement.

Through stories and examples from around the world, the report shows how these efforts are advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, strengthening resilient and efficient value chains and contributing to more sustainable, inclusive and resilient aquatic food systems. Percentages of biologically sustainable and unsustainable fishery stocks by FAO major fishing area 2023

The full statement is reproduced below:Blue Transformation: turning vision into impact

Year of publication 2026

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 236 p.

Author FAO;

Publisher FAO ;

Category Flagship

ISBN 978-92-5-140453-9

Series title The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA)

Series number 2026

Permanent link https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cd8357en

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd8357en

Synopsis (short abstract) The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 provides the latest evidence-based information and insights on challenges, opportunities and solutions shaping the present and future of the sector. This 2026 edition showcases how FAO is translating the Blue Transformation vision into impact, deploying field projects in close collaboration with Members, partners and key stakeholders.

It highlights efforts to maximize the contribution of aquatic foods to global food security, poverty alleviation and economic development, enhancing policy advocacy, advancing scientific research and innovations, and furthering capacity development.

art 1 presents an up-to-date global review of fisheries and aquaculture production, employment, utilization and trade, benefiting from significant improvements in data collection and in analytical and assessment tools and methodologies. Part 2 explores the transformational actions being undertaken by FAO, its Members and key stakeholders to catalyse the changes required to support aquaculture expansion and intensification, effective management of global fisheries, and upgrading of aquatic value chains.

Part 3 covers FAO commitments to strengthen aquatic food systems in a holistic manner, with a focus on the role of regional fishery bodies in translating international commitments into actionable regional measures; it emphasizes the importance of global climate research and models to inform adaptive fisheries management policies and decisions.

It also presents an outlook on future trends for fisheries and aquaculture development up to 2034 based on projections.The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture is aimed at a wide and expanding audience of policymakers, managers, researchers, private actors, civil society activists and consumers.

The following complementary information is available:

Keywords fishery production, aquaculture production, fishery resources, fishing fleets, employment, aquatic foods, food supply, fish trade, blue transformation, sustainable fisheries, sustainable aquaculture, fishery management, value chains, climate change adaptation

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2026. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 – Blue Transformation: turning vision into impact. Rome.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd8357en

Language English

Factsheet

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 – Latin America and the Caribbean 2026

- Spanish

The SOFIA 2026 regional factsheet on Latin America and the Caribbean provides a concise and accessible overview of key fisheries and aquaculture trends and indicators in the region. It supports policymakers, partners, and stakeholders in understanding regional dynamics, informing evidence-based decision-making, and strengthening policy dialogue and advocacy.

Factsheet

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 – Africa 2026

- French

The SOFIA 2026 regional factsheet on Africa provides a concise and accessible overview of key fisheries and aquaculture trends and indicators in the region. It supports policymakers, partners, and stakeholders in understanding regional dynamics, informing evidence-based decision-making, and strengthening policy dialogue and advocacy.

Factsheet

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 – Asia 2026

- Chinese

The SOFIA 2026 regional factsheet on Asia provides a concise and accessible overview of key fisheries and aquaculture trends and indicators in the region. It supports policymakers, partners, and stakeholders in understanding regional dynamics, informing evidence-based decision-making, and strengthening policy dialogue and advocacy.