Poised for continued global expansion
As we look towards 2030, aquaculture is set to play a leading role in building a more sustainable and resilient food system. With growing recognition of the oceans’ vital contribution to feeding a growing population, the sector is well-positioned for global expansion. However, the increased use of marine resources will add pressure on all ocean-based industries, which must navigate the growing complexity of scaling technologies, managing spatial competition, complying with shifting regulatory frameworks, and demonstrating genuine commitment to the principles of a sustainable blue economy.
With consumer demand for healthy, responsibly produced seafood expected to exceed supply, the aquaculture sector is primed to scale through precision farming, driven by innovation, standardisation, and digitalisation. Diversification across regions and species will further unlock growth potential, enhance resilience, and support national food security. However, this technological shift is driving the industry in a more capital-intensive direction, and expansion into new areas will reveal knowledge gaps that must be addressed. At the same time, the industry must continue to tackle evolving and emerging challenges related to fish health, environmental impact, and climate risk.
Trust is a sought-after currency
These are not new challenges. For decades, the industry has invested in technology, processes, and knowledge in pursuit of operational excellence. Yet the sector now faces a paradox: while technological maturity has reached unprecedented levels, regulatory uncertainty continues to constrain development. At the same time, public scrutiny of aquaculture is increasing globally, putting the industry’s social licence under ever mounting pressure.
The social licence to operate can fluctuate. When stakeholders perceive that an industry prioritises its own interests over those of society and the environment, trust erodes. Conversely, when the sector demonstrates transparency, accountability, and a commitment to improvement, trust can be rebuilt. And looking at the current front-runners of this industry, substantial progress is already under way.
A shift in industry focus – prevention over cure
One area of particular progress is fish health, where the industry is building on long-standing preventative thinking and placing even greater emphasis and investment into proactive strategies over reactive treatments. While most farming still takes place in open waters, where biosecurity risks are difficult to fully control, farmers are increasingly investing in measures to reduce those risks from the outset.
Biosecurity, data-driven insights, and prognostic tools are becoming central to daily operations. At the same time, a wave of innovation from start-ups is driving progress in areas such as clinical pathology, eDNA, and computer vision, equipping farmers with better tools to monitor, assess, and manage health risks throughout the production cycle.
Still, innovation should enhance rather than replace existing efforts. It is essential that new technologies are not viewed as substitutes for consistent vigilance and robust fish health practices, but rather as tools that complement internal and external fish health management.
Building the foundations for 2030
By continuing to invest in knowledge, technology, and services that improve biological performance, the aquaculture industry can lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth towards 2030. For those willing to lead with transparency, collaboration, and innovation, aquaculture holds a transformative potential and has a bright future.
