BLUE REVOLUTION

courtesy : blue revolution

Emergence of the Blue Revolution

Prior to the 1980s, global fish supply from aquaculture did not represent a significant food source. However, depletion of ocean fisheries and subsequent decline of capture fishery production caused aquaculture to grow rapidly. From the mid-1980s to 2000, global aquaculture production increased by more than 50%, and cemented itself as a significant source for global fish supply. Since 2000, aquaculture has been the fastest growing food production sector, growing 5.8% per year, supplying over 100 metric tonnes of fish, shellfish and seaweeds from 425 species in 2017.

The Blue Revolution was initially concentrated in Asia, and China in particular. Aquaculture in Asian countries continues to dominate, accounting for 89% of global aquaculture production, with China alone accounts for 58% of global production. However, it is also intensifying in other regions, with growth rates in South America, and more recently Africa, outpacing China.

The Blue Revolution has driven and supported global increase in global fish consumption since the 1980s. Over the last several decades, global fish consumption has increased 3.1% per year, and is primarily supplied through aquaculture.