Lower over the period
South America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 10.08 Kilogram in 2015 to 9.26 Kilogram in 2023 (−8.2%), an average of −1.1% a year. The series high was 10.08 Kilogram in 2015 and the low 8.95 Kilogram in 2022.
What South America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita shows
South America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 9.26 Kilogram in 2023, up 3.4% on 2022. South America fish and seafood production per Capita from 2015 to 2023 highlights the region’s fisheries potential, seafood availability trends, and contribution to the global food and beverages sector. With extensive Pacific and Atlantic coastlines, rich marine ecosystems, and growing aquaculture activities, South America has favorable conditions for fish and seafood production.
A 11.2% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2022) is 1.13 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −5% in 2020.
Chile leads the region
Within South America, Chile has the highest value in 2023 at 14.36 Kilogram.
Country ranking
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by country, 2023
Kilogram. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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By region
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by region
Kilogram, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
South America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
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| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9.26 | +3.4% |
| 2022 Trough | 8.95 | −2.2% |
| 2021 | 9.15 | −2.4% |
| 2020 | 9.38 | −5% |
| 2019 | 9.87 | +0.4% |
| 2018 | 9.83 | +0.6% |
| 2017 | 9.77 | 0% |
| 2016 | 9.78 | −3% |
| 2015Peak | 10.08 | — |
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.
Fish and seafood availability showed moderate fluctuations during the period, decreasing from 10.08 kilograms per person in 2015 to 9.26 kilograms in 2023, while individual countries demonstrated different production patterns.
Between 2015 and 2018, regional fish and seafood availability remained relatively stable, declining slightly from 10.08 kilograms to 9.83 kilograms per capita. The region’s seafood supply was supported by commercial fishing, aquaculture development, seafood processing industries, and international trade activities. Countries such as Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia contributed significantly to regional seafood availability due to their extensive marine resources and fisheries infrastructure.
From 2019 to 2023, South America experienced further variations in fish and seafood availability. The regional level decreased from 9.87 kilograms in 2019 to 9.38 kilograms in 2020 and continued declining to 9.15 kilograms in 2021. However, recovery was observed in 2023, with availability increasing to 9.26 kilograms per person. These changes reflect differences in fisheries production, aquaculture output, environmental factors, market conditions, and seafood supply chain performance.
South America’s fish and seafood industry includes marine capture fisheries, freshwater fishing, aquaculture farming, seafood processing, and export-oriented production. Key seafood products include salmon, shrimp, tuna, hake, squid, trout, and various marine fish species. Chile has a strong aquaculture sector, while Brazil and Colombia have expanded freshwater fish production to support domestic demand.
Overall, the 2015–2023 trend indicates moderate fluctuations in South America’s fish and seafood availability. Strengthening sustainable fisheries management, expanding aquaculture capacity, improving production technologies, and enhancing seafood distribution networks will be essential for supporting long-term growth and maintaining reliable seafood supply across the region.
- Indicator
- Fish & Seafood Production per Capita
- Region
- South America
- 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 America 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 America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita in 2023?
South America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 9.26 Kilogram in 2023, up 3.4% on 2022.
How has South America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
South America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 10.08 Kilogram in 2015 to 9.26 Kilogram in 2023 (−8.2%), an average of −1.1% a year. The series high was 10.08 Kilogram in 2015 and the low 8.95 Kilogram in 2022.
Which year had the highest and lowest South America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita?
The highest value was 10.08 Kilogram in 2015 and the lowest was 8.95 Kilogram in 2022.
What does the South America 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 America 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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