Land-Based Aquaculture Market Size, Share, Growth and Industry analysis, By Type (Freshwater Aquaculture, Saltwater Aquaculture), By Application (Food Service Sector, Retail Sector) and Regional Forecast to 2034

Last Updated: 19 August 2025
SKU ID: 29860215

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LAND-BASED AQUACULTURE MARKET OVERVIEW

The global land-based aquaculture market size was valued at USD 6.257 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 16.55 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 11.41% from 2025 to 2034.

The United States Land-Based Aquaculture Market size is projected at USD 1.93964 Billion in 2025, the Europe Land-Based Aquaculture Market size is projected at USD 1.56297 Billion in 2025, and the China Land-Based Aquaculture Market size is projected at USD 1.94714 Billion in 2025.

Land-based aquaculture, also known as indoor or closed-containment aquaculture, is a sustainable method of fish farming that takes place on land rather than in traditional open-water environments. This form of aquaculture has gained popularity due to its numerous environmental and economic advantages. In land-based aquaculture systems, fish are raised in controlled environments such as tanks or ponds, where water quality, temperature, and feeding can be closely monitored and regulated. This allows for a reduction in the use of antibiotics and chemicals, minimizing the risk of disease outbreaks and preventing pollution of surrounding ecosystems. One key benefit of land-based aquaculture is its potential to reduce pressure on wild fish populations. By cultivating fish in controlled environments, the reliance on overfished species can be lessened, thereby aiding in the preservation of marine biodiversity. Additionally, this method allows for the production of fish near consumer markets, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and the associated carbon footprint. Land-based aquaculture also offers employment opportunities in rural areas, supporting local economies.

The land-based aquaculture market has been experiencing substantial growth in recent years due to the increasing demand for seafood and the need for sustainable and eco-friendly methods of aquaculture. Land-based aquaculture refers to the practice of raising fish and other aquatic organisms in contained, land-based facilities, as opposed to traditional open-water farming. This method offers several advantages, including reduced environmental impact, improved biosecurity, and the ability to produce fish closer to consumer markets, thereby reducing transportation costs.

LAND-BASED AQUACULTURE MARKET KEY FINDINGS

  • Market Size and Growth: Valued at USD 6.257 billion in 2025, expected to reach USD 16.55 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR 11.41%.
  • Key Market Driver: Adoption of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) contributed to over 60% operational efficiency improvement in controlled farming environments.
  • Major Market Restraint: High setup and maintenance costs have limited adoption, impacting over 40% of small and mid-size aquaculture businesses.
  • Emerging Trends: Over 35% of land-based farms are integrating AI and IoT technologies to enhance production and environmental control.
  • Regional Leadership: Europe accounts for over 30% of the market share, led by Norway and Denmark in land-based aquaculture innovation.
  • Competitive Landscape: Top five players hold over 45% of the market share, driven by technological investments and strategic facility expansions.
  • Market Segmentation: Freshwater aquaculture represents over 55% share, while saltwater aquaculture contributes around 45% in land-based systems.
  • Recent Development: Over 25% increase in pilot RAS facility investments reported in the last two years, indicating strong industry momentum.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Lockdown Caused Labor Shortages, and Reduced Demand from The Hospitality Sector Hampered the Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the land-based aquaculture market. During the initial phases of the pandemic, the market faced challenges due to supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and reduced demand from the hospitality sector, which was severely affected by lockdowns and restrictions. However, the pandemic also highlighted the vulnerabilities of the global food supply chain, leading to an increased focus on local food production and sustainable agriculture. As a result, there has been a surge in interest in land-based aquaculture as a reliable and resilient source of seafood.

LATEST TRENDS

Vertical Integration in Land-based Aquaculture to Boost the Market Development.

One prominent trend in the land-based aquaculture market is the increasing adoption of vertical integration by industry players. Vertical integration involves controlling various stages of the production process, from hatcheries and grow-out facilities to processing and distribution. This approach allows companies to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and ensure consistent product quality. By integrating multiple aspects of the supply chain, companies can better manage costs, maintain traceability, and have more control over the final product, thus gaining a competitive advantage.

  • Freshwater aquaculture dominates inland fish production: In India, freshwater aquaculture accounts for nearly 55 % of total fish production, utilizing 2.36 million ha of ponds and tanks and over 3.15 million ha of reservoirs.
  • First time aquaculture surpassed wild-caught fisheries in volume: Global farmed aquatic animal production reached 94.4 million tonnes in 2022—exceeding wild-capture of 91 million tonnes—accounting for 51 % of total aquatic animal output.
Global-Land-Based-Aquaculture-Market-By-Application,-2034

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LAND-BASED AQUACULTURE MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

According to type, the market can be segmented into Freshwater Aquaculture, Saltwater Aquaculture. Freshwater Aquaculture being the leading segment of the market by type analysis.

By Application Analysis

Based on application, the market can be divided into Food Service Sector, Retail Sector.Food Service Sector being the leading segment of the market by application analysis.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Global Demand for Seafood to Drive the Market Growth

The primary driver behind the expansion of the land-based aquaculture market is the rising global demand for seafood products. As the world's population continues to grow, so does the need for sustainable and efficient methods of producing protein-rich food. Additionally, changing dietary habits, with an increasing emphasis on healthier options, have led to a higher consumption of fish and seafood. Land-based aquaculture offers a viable solution to meet this growing demand while reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional open-water aquaculture.

  • Global protein demand shifting to aquaculture: Seafood now contributes 15–20 % of animal protein for ~2.9 billion people globally
  • Efficient resource use vs traditional agriculture: Land-based aquaculture uses under 30 % of the freshwater and far less developed land compared to conventional livestock farming

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability to Drive the Market Development

Environmental concerns related to traditional marine aquaculture, such as habitat destruction, water pollution, and disease transmission, have spurred interest in land-based aquaculture. By keeping fish in closed containment systems, land-based facilities can significantly reduce the risk of contaminating natural ecosystems and spreading diseases to wild populations. Consumers and regulatory bodies alike are increasingly favoring products that are produced sustainably and have a lower ecological footprint, making land-based aquaculture an attractive option.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Challenges in Scaling Up Production to Impede the Market Growth

While land-based aquaculture offers several advantages, scaling up production to meet the growing demand remains a significant challenge. Establishing and operating land-based facilities require substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and skilled labor. Ensuring optimal conditions for fish growth, such as water quality, temperature, and nutrition, is crucial for success. Additionally, the industry faces the challenge of securing financing and overcoming regulatory hurdles, particularly in regions where aquaculture regulations are still evolving.

  • High water and energy consumption: Flow-through land-based systems consume substantial water; recirculating systems lower this but are energy-intensive—particularly electricity usage
  • Regulatory complexity stalling development: In the U.S., overlapping authority among six federal agencies has dampened investment and growth in land-based aquaculture

LAND-BASED AQUACULTURE MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Well-Established Aquaculture Infrastructure in North America to Bolster the Market Development

North America has emerged as a powerhouse in the land-based aquaculture market, with both the United States and Canada spearheading the industry's growth. The region's well-established aquaculture infrastructure has played a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion of land-based facilities. The United States, in particular, has a long history of aquaculture practices, with the industry dating back to the early 1900s. Over the years, advancements in technology and expertise have contributed to the establishment of state-of-the-art land-based aquaculture facilities across the country. One of the key factors driving the growth of land-based aquaculture in North America is the high demand for seafood products. As the population continues to grow, so does the appetite for fish and seafood as a healthy protein source. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impacts of food production, leading to a surge in demand for sustainably sourced seafood. Land-based aquaculture, with its reduced ecological footprint and enhanced biosecurity, meets this demand while aligning with the values of environmentally-conscious consumers.

Europe has been at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture practices, and the land-based aquaculture sector in the region has witnessed significant advancements. Countries like Norway and Denmark have been pioneers in implementing innovative technologies and practices that have revolutionized the industry. With their rich maritime heritage, these countries have a deep understanding of aquaculture, allowing them to leverage their expertise in land-based facilities successfully. One of the key drivers of land-based aquaculture in Europe is the region's strong regulatory framework for aquaculture. European nations have implemented stringent environmental standards and guidelines for aquaculture operations, ensuring sustainable practices and minimizing the impact on surrounding ecosystems. This emphasis on environmental responsibility has led to increased investments in land-based facilities, which offer better control over waste management and water quality.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

  • Pure Salmon is advancing high-density offshore RAS technology, designed to yield approximately 10,000 tonnes of salmon per year.
  • Atlantic Sapphire runs its “Bluehouse” RAS facility in Florida, with an annual production capacity of around 50 million pounds (≈22,680 tonnes).

List of Top Land-Based Aquaculture Companies

  • West Creek Aquaculture
  • Danish Salmon
  • Aquabounty
  • Shandong Ocean Oriental Sci-Tech
  • Atlantic Sapphire
  • Jurassic Salmon
  • Cape Nordic Corporation
  • Pure Salmon
  • Andfjord Salmon
  • Swiss Lachs
  • Samherji fiskeldi ltd
  • Kuterra Limited
  • Superior Fresh
  • Matorka
  • Fish Farm UAE
  • Cape d'Or
  • Sustainable Blue
  • Nordic Aquafarms

REPORT COVERAGE

This research profiles a report with extensive studies that take into description the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by inspecting the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, and restraints. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics change. 

Land-Based Aquaculture Market Report Scope & Segmentation

Attributes Details

Market Size Value In

US$ 6.26 Billion in 2025

Market Size Value By

US$ 16.55 Billion by 2034

Growth Rate

CAGR of 11.41% from 2025 to 2034

Forecast Period

2025-2034

Base Year

2024

Historical Data Available

Yes

Regional Scope

Global

Segments Covered

By Type

  • Freshwater Aquaculture
  • Saltwater Aquaculture

By Application

  • Food Service Sector
  • Retail Sector

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