Broadly stable
Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 19.65 Kilogram in 2015 to 19.93 Kilogram in 2023 (+1.4%), an average of +0.2% a year. The series high was 20.35 Kilogram in 2019 and the low 19.65 Kilogram in 2015.
What Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita shows
Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 19.93 Kilogram in 2023, down 0.8% on 2022. Global fish and seafood production per Capita from 2015 to 2023 highlights worldwide seafood availability trends, fisheries performance, aquaculture growth, and the importance of aquatic foods in the global food and beverages sector. Fish and seafood support nutrition, food security, economic development, and livelihoods across coastal and inland communities.
A 3.4% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2019) and low (2015) is 0.701 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −1.3% in 2020.
South Korea leads among 33 countries covered
Of the 33 countries in this dataset, South Korea, Malaysia and China have the highest values in 2023 (52.82, 51.03, 41.68 Kilogram respectively).
Country ranking
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by country, 2023
Kilogram. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Rank↕ | Country↕ | Share of top | Kilogram↕ | vs 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Korea | 52.82 | +0.1% | |
| 2 | Malaysia | 51.03 | −1.2% | |
| 3 | China | 41.68 | +0.2% | |
| 4 | Indonesia | 40.42 | −0.8% | |
| 5 | Vietnam | 40.06 | −0.7% | |
| 6 | Spain | 36.80 | −0.2% | |
| 7 | France | 32.64 | −0.2% | |
| 8 | Finland | 31.49 | −0.6% | |
| 9 | Sweden | 30.62 | −0.6% | |
| 10 | Taiwan | 30.40 | +0.4% | |
| 11 | Italy | 29.39 | +0.2% | |
| 12 | Thailand | 28.62 | 0% | |
| 13 | Philippines | 26.34 | −0.8% | |
| 14 | Israel | 24.75 | −1.6% | |
| 15 | Australia | 24.24 | −0.9% | |
| 16 | UAE | 23.11 | −3.7% | |
| 17 | Denmark | 22.56 | −0.7% | |
| 18 | U.S. | 21.94 | −0.6% | |
| 19 | Canada | 20.82 | −1.2% | |
| 20 | Egypt | 20.50 | −1.7% | |
| 21 | Netherlands | 19.08 | −1% | |
| 22 | UK | 17.70 | −0.7% | |
| 23 | Chile | 14.36 | −0.6% | |
| 24 | Mexico | 13.55 | −0.8% | |
| 25 | Germany | 12.98 | −0.5% | |
| 26 | Saudi Arabia | 12.92 | −3.2% | |
| 27 | Colombia | 10.31 | −1.2% | |
| 28 | India | 8.73 | −0.9% | |
| 29 | Brazil | 8.18 | −0.5% | |
| 30 | Argentina | 7.11 | −0.3% | |
| 31 | Nigeria | 6.90 | −2.1% | |
| 32 | South Africa | 5.59 | −1.2% | |
| 33 | Turkey | 5.32 | −0.2% |
By region
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by region
Kilogram, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 19.93 | −0.8% |
| 2022 | 20.10 | −0.8% |
| 2021 | 20.27 | +0.9% |
| 2020 | 20.09 | −1.3% |
| 2019Peak | 20.35 | +1.2% |
| 2018 | 20.11 | +0.6% |
| 2017 | 20.00 | +1.3% |
| 2016 | 19.75 | +0.5% |
| 2015 Trough | 19.65 | — |
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita — Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
The data includes fish and seafood products available for human consumption, covering a broad range of aquatic food categories such as marine fish, freshwater fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other seafood products. The indicator incorporates supply-side factors including domestic fisheries production, aquaculture output, imports, exports, and stock adjustments to estimate annual food availability. The dataset is compiled from international food balance statistics and provides country-wise estimates for the selected time period. Values are calculated on a per capita basis by dividing total available fish and seafood supply by the population of each country.
The data does not represent actual individual consumption, dietary intake, or household-level seafood purchasing behavior. It does not measure nutritional quality, protein content, food waste, or differences in consumption patterns among population groups. The indicator excludes non-food uses of fish and seafood products, such as industrial applications, animal feed, and other commercial uses. It also does not directly measure fisheries sustainability, environmental impacts, or the economic value of the seafood industry. Differences may occur due to variations in statistical reporting methods, population estimates, trade data accuracy, and food supply accounting systems used across countries.
About this indicator
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita — Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
Global availability increased from 19.65 kilograms per person in 2015 to 19.93 kilograms in 2023, despite yearly fluctuations.
Between 2015 and 2018, global fish and seafood availability increased from 19.65 kilograms to 20.11 kilograms per capita. This growth was supported by aquaculture expansion, improved fisheries management, technological advancements, and rising international seafood trade. Increasing consumer demand also contributed to higher seafood production and availability worldwide.
From 2019 to 2023, global availability remained stable with moderate variations. It reached 20.35 kilograms per person in 2019 before declining to 20.09 kilograms in 2020 due to supply chain and production challenges. Availability recovered to 20.27 kilograms in 2021 before decreasing to 20.10 kilograms in 2022 and 19.93 kilograms in 2023. These changes reflect variations in fisheries output, aquaculture supply, trade conditions, and market demand.
The global fish and seafood industry includes marine fisheries, freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing, and international trade networks. Major products include marine fish, freshwater fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic products. Regions including Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania contribute significantly to global seafood production.
Overall, the 2015–2023 trend indicates stable global fish and seafood availability. Sustainable fisheries management, responsible aquaculture development, production innovation, and efficient supply chains will remain important for maintaining future seafood supply and global food security.
- Indicator
- Fish & Seafood Production per Capita
- Region
- Global
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita?
Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
What was Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita in 2023?
Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 19.93 Kilogram in 2023, down 0.8% on 2022.
How has Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 19.65 Kilogram in 2015 to 19.93 Kilogram in 2023 (+1.4%), an average of +0.2% a year. The series high was 20.35 Kilogram in 2019 and the low 19.65 Kilogram in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita?
The highest value was 20.35 Kilogram in 2019 and the lowest was 19.65 Kilogram in 2015.
What does the Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes fish and seafood products available for human consumption, covering a broad range of aquatic food categories such as marine fish, freshwater fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other seafood products. The indicator incorporates supply-side factors including domestic fisheries production, aquaculture output, imports, exports, and stock adjustments to estimate annual food availability. The dataset is compiled from international food balance statistics and provides country-wise estimates for the selected time period. Values are calculated on a per capita basis by dividing total available fish and seafood supply by the population of each country. Excluded: The data does not represent actual individual consumption, dietary intake, or household-level seafood purchasing behavior. It does not measure nutritional quality, protein content, food waste, or differences in consumption patterns among population groups. The indicator excludes non-food uses of fish and seafood products, such as industrial applications, animal feed, and other commercial uses. It also does not directly measure fisheries sustainability, environmental impacts, or the economic value of the seafood industry. Differences may occur due to variations in statistical reporting methods, population estimates, trade data accuracy, and food supply accounting systems used across countries.
Where does the Global Fish & Seafood Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..2023&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Fish+and+seafood&Metric=Food+available+for+consumption&Per+capita=true&Unit=Kilograms+per+year). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Kilogram.
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