Lower over the period
South Africa Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 6.36 Kilogram in 2015 to 5.59 Kilogram in 2023 (−12.1%), an average of −1.6% a year. The series high was 7.47 Kilogram in 2018 and the low 5.24 Kilogram in 2020.
What South Africa Fish & Seafood Production per Capita shows
South Africa Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 5.59 Kilogram in 2023, down 1.2% on 2022. South Africa fish and seafood production per Capita from 2015 to 2023 reflects the country’s marine resources, fisheries activities, aquaculture development, and seafood consumption trends within the food and beverages sector.
A 29.9% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2018) and low (2020) is 2.23 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +17.5% in 2018.
Ranks 32 of 33 countries covered
Among the 33 countries in this dataset, South Africa ranks 32 for 2023, behind South Korea (52.82 Kilogram) and Malaysia (51.03 Kilogram). The global figure for 2023 is 19.93 Kilogram, so South Africa is below it.
Full series
South Africa 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 | 5.59 | −1.2% |
| 2022 | 5.66 | −1.6% |
| 2021 | 5.75 | +9.7% |
| 2020 Trough | 5.24 | −17% |
| 2019 | 6.31 | −15.5% |
| 2018Peak | 7.47 | +17.5% |
| 2017 | 6.36 | +5% |
| 2016 | 6.06 | −4.7% |
| 2015 | 6.36 | — |
Regional context
How South Africa compares across countries
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by country, 2023, Kilogram. South Africa is highlighted.
1South Korea52.82
2Malaysia51.03
3China41.68
4Indonesia40.42
5Vietnam40.06
6Spain36.80
7France32.64
32South Africa5.59
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.
With a coastline extending along the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa has access to diverse marine ecosystems that support commercial fishing, seafood processing, and coastal economic activities. Fish and seafood availability showed fluctuations throughout the period, decreasing from 6.36 kilograms per person in 2015 to 5.59 kilograms in 2023.
Between 2015 and 2017, South Africa’s fish and seafood availability remained relatively stable, with values of 6.36 kilograms in 2015, 6.06 kilograms in 2016, and 6.36 kilograms in 2017. In 2018, availability increased significantly to 7.47 kilograms per person, representing the highest level recorded during the period. This improvement was supported by stronger seafood supply, fishing activities, and production performance within the fisheries sector.
However, from 2019 onwards, fish and seafood availability experienced a decline. The level decreased to 6.31 kilograms in 2019 and dropped further to 5.24 kilograms in 2020. This reduction was influenced by challenges affecting fishing operations, supply chains, market conditions, and overall seafood production. A gradual recovery occurred from 2021 onwards, with availability increasing to 5.75 kilograms before stabilizing at 5.66 kilograms in 2022 and 5.59 kilograms in 2023.
South Africa’s fish and seafood industry includes commercial marine fisheries, small-scale fishing communities, aquaculture production, and seafood processing activities. Key seafood products include hake, sardines, anchovy, squid, abalone, and various shellfish species. The fisheries sector contributes to employment, exports, coastal development, and national food supply.
Overall, the 2015–2023 trend shows moderate fluctuations with a slight decline in fish and seafood availability. Strengthening sustainable fishing practices, expanding aquaculture production, improving fisheries management, and supporting coastal communities will be important for maintaining seafood supply and promoting long-term growth in South Africa’s fisheries industry.
- Indicator
- Fish & Seafood Production per Capita
- Country
- South Africa
- Region
- Africa
- 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 South Africa 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 South Africa Fish & Seafood Production per Capita in 2023?
South Africa Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 5.59 Kilogram in 2023, down 1.2% on 2022.
How has South Africa Fish & Seafood Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
South Africa Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 6.36 Kilogram in 2015 to 5.59 Kilogram in 2023 (−12.1%), an average of −1.6% a year. The series high was 7.47 Kilogram in 2018 and the low 5.24 Kilogram in 2020.
Which year had the highest and lowest South Africa Fish & Seafood Production per Capita?
The highest value was 7.47 Kilogram in 2018 and the lowest was 5.24 Kilogram in 2020.
What does the South Africa 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 South Africa 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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