United States Aquaculture Market Size and Forecast (2025–2033)

The United States Aquaculture Market is entering a defining decade—one shaped by rising seafood demand, climate-conscious consumers, cutting-edge farming systems, and a renewed national focus on food security. According to Renub Research, the market is projected to reach US$ 130.67 billion by 2033, up from US$ 91.1 billion in 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 4.09% from 2025 to 2033. As seafood consumption outpaces wild catch production and imports cross 70%, aquaculture has moved from a niche industry to a national priority.

Driven by innovations like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), automated feeding technologies, and NOAA-backed Aquaculture Opportunity Areas, the U.S. market is becoming more efficient, sustainable, and economically significant. From salmon to shrimp, oysters to seaweed, aquaculture now feeds millions, supports coastal economies, and strengthens American food independence.

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✅ United States Aquaculture Industry Overview

Aquaculture—commonly known as fish farming—involves the controlled cultivation of aquatic species including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and seaweed in freshwater, brackish water, and marine environments. Beyond supplying seafood, the sector contributes to:

Food security

Wild stock conservation

Ecosystem restoration

Ornamental species trade

Recreational fishing

Increasingly, aquaculture is powered by digital innovation. Automated feeders, AI-driven water-quality monitoring, and indoor RAS systems are optimizing yields, minimizing water waste, and enabling year-round production. Popular U.S. species include catfish, salmon, trout, shrimp, oysters, clams, mussels, and emerging categories like seaweed and microalgae.

But what’s most notable is the industry’s shifting narrative—from environmental concern to environmental solution. As climate change stresses oceans and wild stocks decline, aquaculture is stepping in as a reliable, low-impact, and scalable source of protein.

✅ Market Growth Drivers

1️⃣ Rising Seafood Demand

Seafood sits at the intersection of health, sustainability, and affordability. Rich in protein and omega-3 fats, it has become central to American dietary preferences. As consumers shift toward cleaner, high-protein foods, per capita seafood intake continues to rise—yet domestic catch isn’t keeping up.

Over 70% of U.S. seafood is imported, leaving the nation heavily dependent on foreign supply chains.

Urbanization and busy lifestyles are fueling demand for ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat seafood products.

Retailers and restaurants now emphasize traceable, locally farmed seafood, further boosting U.S. production.

To ensure food security and reduce trade dependency, expanding domestic aquaculture is no longer optional—it's essential.

2️⃣ Technological Advancements

Innovation is redefining every stage of aquaculture production. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), IoT-enabled monitoring, automated feeding robots, AI-based disease prediction, and water-reuse engineering are drastically lowering operational costs and environmental impact.

In March 2025, Stolt-Nielsen announced over US$ 400 million in U.S. investments to advance land-based aquaculture and water-cleaning technologies, including the launch of CleanRight, a chemical-cleaning service designed for aquaculture biosecurity. Stolt Sea Farm’s adoption of RAS systems marks a major step toward efficient, sustainable seafood production.

These technological leaps allow:

✅ Year-round production

✅ Minimal water usage

✅ Enhanced traceability

✅ Reduced disease risk

✅ Higher yields and quality

The U.S. is positioning itself not just as a seafood producer—but a global technology leader in aquaculture engineering.

3️⃣ Sustainability & Environmental Priorities

For regulators, producers, and consumers, sustainability has become a defining requirement—not a bonus.

Aquaculture supports:

Reduced pressure on wild fish stocks

Lower carbon emissions compared to land-based livestock

Circular water and waste systems

Climate resilience in food production

Models like Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) combine multiple species to recycle nutrients, while plant-based feeds reduce reliance on wild fishmeal. Certifications such as BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) are setting new quality and sustainability benchmarks.

NOAA’s Aquaculture Opportunity Areas are accelerating responsible development in key coastal regions—balancing production growth with ecosystem protection.

✅ Key Market Challenges

1️⃣ Regulatory and Permitting Barriers

Aquaculture in the U.S. sits under a complex legal web spanning federal, state, and local agencies. Permitting can take years, discouraging investors and slowing deployment.

Challenges include:

Overlapping regulations

Coastal zoning restrictions

Environmental impact assessments

Public resistance and legal appeals

While NOAA is working to streamline processes, inconsistent state-level rules still cause uncertainty—especially for offshore and marine farming projects.

2️⃣ Disease Management & Biosecurity Risks

High-density farming environments can allow bacteria, viruses, and parasites to spread rapidly. Limited access to vaccines and treatments—as well as warming waters due to climate change—intensifies risks.

Key needs include:

Disease-resistant breeds

Advanced diagnostics

Strict biosecurity protocols

Research collaboration

Without strong aquatic health systems, large-scale production remains vulnerable.

✅ Regional Market Snapshots

📍 California

A national hub for sustainable aquaculture innovation.

Key species: oysters, mussels, abalone, trout

Strong university-led research (UC Davis, California Sea Grant)

High consumer demand for premium, organic seafood

Rapid adoption of RAS and offshore systems

Despite water regulations and coastal permitting hurdles, California remains a leader in eco-friendly aquaculture.

📍 Texas

Fast-emerging aquaculture powerhouse along the Gulf of Mexico.

Species: catfish, shrimp, hybrid striped bass

Affordable land and favorable climate

Support from Texas A&M research centers

Expanding NOAA Opportunity Areas

Salinity management and extreme weather remain obstacles, but growth momentum is undeniable.

📍 New York

A rising force in shellfish farming.

Focus species: oysters, clams, mussels

Strong farm-to-table seafood culture

Proximity to NYC fuels premium demand

Grants and streamlined permitting support producers

Cold winters add operational challenges, but coastal revitalization efforts are boosting long-term industry strength.

📍 Florida

America’s most diverse aquaculture economy.

Leading producer of ornamental fish

Also strong in shrimp, clams, oysters

Year-round farming conditions

Active research at University of Florida

Hurricanes and regulatory hurdles present risks, but Florida remains a national growth engine.

✅ Recent Industry Developments

June 2025: Wildtype introduced lab-grown Coho salmon, marking a breakthrough in sustainable protein and easing pressure on wild stocks.

July 2024: Merck Animal Health acquired Elanco’s aquaculture division for US$ 1.3 billion, expanding fish health innovations including vaccines and therapeutics.

July 2024: SyAqua acquired Primo Broodstock USA to boost disease-resistant shrimp genetics and improve biosecurity in U.S. shrimp farming.

These moves underscore a market charging forward with technology, health science, and genetic innovation.

✅ Market Segmentation

Environment

Freshwater

Marine Water

Brackish Water

Type

Fish

Crustaceans

Mollusks

Seaweed

Aquatic Plants

Others

End Use

Food Industry

Agriculture

Animal Feed

Others

States (29 Viewpoints)

Includes: California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, Washington, North Carolina, Virginia, Oregon, Louisiana, and more.

✅ Key Players

Blue Ridge Aquaculture

Cermaq ASA

Cooke Aquaculture Inc.

Eastern Fish Co.

Huon Aquaculture Group Pty Ltd.

International Fish Farming Co. – Asmak

RoyMarine Harvest ASA

Nireus Aquaculture S.A

Promarisco

Selonda Aquaculture S.A

These companies are expanding through advanced farming systems, sustainability commitments, and strategic partnerships.

⭐ Final Thoughts

The U.S. aquaculture sector is no longer just reacting to seafood demand—it’s shaping the future of global food systems. With a projected value of US$ 130.67 billion by 2033, the industry is poised for unprecedented growth driven by sustainability, biotechnology, and domestic resilience.

As America works to reduce seafood imports, safeguard marine ecosystems, and feed a growing population, aquaculture stands at the center of a new food revolution. What was once seen as an alternative is now an imperative—and one of the most promising pathways to a healthier, greener, and food-secure future.