In this article, we will be covering 20 countries with the highest per capita fish consumption. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the fishing industry and consumption trends, go directly to Fish Consumption by Country Per Capita: Top 5.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), over the past few decades, the consumption of aquatic foods has outpaced population growth, with an average annual growth rate of 3% compared to a population growth rate of 1.6%. This increase in consumption has been accompanied by a significant rise in global fish production, which has quadrupled between 1961-2017 as opposed to the global population doubling. The significant increase in production can be attributed to continuous innovation and the emergence of aquaculture over the last 50 years. Furthermore, the global average per capita consumption of fish has also doubled during the same period, primarily due to higher yields from aquaculture. The share of aquaculture in global fish production surpassed the wild catch mechanism in 2013. Wild catch refers to the process of capturing fish and other seafood directly from their natural habitats, such as oceans, rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water. On the other hand, aquaculture, also known as fish farming or aquafarming, is the practice of cultivating fish and other aquatic organisms in controlled environments.
Seafood Consumption Statistics
The average annual global seafood consumption has increased from 9.9 kilograms (kg) in the 1960s to a peak of 20.5 kg in 2019, according to FAO. Moving forward, fish and seafood consumption per capita is expected to reach 21.4 kg by the end of this decade. Asia is the primary consumer of fish, as it consumes 72% of the total global fish production. Maldives, located in South Asia, is the country with the highest fish consumption per capita as of 2020. Countries like Kiribati, Macao, and Hong Kong are also among the top 5 consumers of fish per capita in the world. Experts believe that due to its protein contents and micronutrients, fish is expected to play a significant role in food security in the future, especially in coastal areas. The increase in the demand for fish can be attributed to urbanization in coastal areas, improving household incomes, increase in fish production, higher efficiency of distribution channels, and rise in recognition of fish as a healthy and nutritious offering.
Economic Impact of the Fishing Industry
The fishing industry plays an integral role in boosting economies and global employment. Around 58.5 million people are employed directly by the fishing industry, and overall, 600 million livelihoods partially rely on fisheries and aquaculture. The total global fish production reached an all-time high of 214 million tons in 2020, highlighting the industry's substantial contribution to the global food supply. Meanwhile, the total aquaculture production reached a record level of 122.6 million tons with a total value of $281.5 billion. However, the global trade of fisheries and aquaculture offerings experienced a decline in 2020, amounting to $151 billion, down from the 2018 level of $165 billion. This decline was mainly due to trade restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains and affected international trade.
Overall, the proportion of fish production intended for human consumption is forecasted to reach 89% by 2030. Meanwhile, fish consumption levels are expected to rise by 18% by the end of this decade compared to the levels in 2018. These figures reflect the positive outlook on the fishing industry, providing investors with a lot of reasons to be bullish on the best stocks in the fishing industry. One of the biggest publicly listed global seafood companies is Mowi ASA (MOWI.OL). The $9 billion (NOK 99.26 billion) company is known for specializing in salmon farming. It is one of the largest producers of Atlantic salmon and has operations in several countries, including Norway, Scotland, Canada, Ireland, and Chile. Norway and Ireland are also on our list of highest fish consumption by country per capita 2020. In addition to Mowi ASA (MOWI.OL), some of the best aquaculture stocks include Aquabounty Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:AQB), Leroy Seafood Group ASA (OTCMKTS:LYSFF), and Bakkafrost P/F(OTCMKTS:BKFKF).
Fish Consumption by Country Per Capita
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Our Methodology
To shortlist the countries with the highest per capita fish consumption, we consulted the comprehensive database provided by Our World in Data. This database offers a valuable resource for understanding global trends and statistics across the fishing industry. The top fish-consuming countries have been ranked in ascending order of their 2020 consumption levels.
Fish Consumption by Country Per Capita: Top 20
20. Barbados
Fish Consumption per capita: 43.88 kg
Total Population: 281,200
Barbados is an island country in the Caribbean known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. The country relies on tourism and offshore finance as key economic sectors. The flying fish or the flying cod is considered a national dish. It is often served with a side of cou-cou, a traditional cornmeal and okra-based Bajan dish.
19. French Polynesia
Fish Consumption per capita: 43.95 kg
Total Population: 304,032
French Polynesia is a group of islands located in the South Pacific. Seafood is a central part of the local cuisine. The Poisson Cru is a popular traditional dish in French Polynesia, which consists of raw fish, usually tuna or mahi-mahi, marinated in lime juice and coconut milk.
18. Samoa
Fish Consumption per capita: 43.97 kg
Total Population: 218,764
Samoa is a country located in the South Pacific Ocean with a rich history dating back to 3,000 years. Grilling is a popular cooking method for fish in Samoa. Various types of fish, such as snapper, mahi-mahi, or trevally, are marinated with local herbs, spices, and lime juice before being grilled over an open flame. Grilled fish is commonly served with taro or breadfruit.
17. Indonesia
Fish Consumption per capita: 44.71 kg
Total Population: 273,753,191
Indonesia, with its vast archipelago and rich marine resources, has a diverse array of fish species that are utilized in its cuisine. Grilled fish, which is locally known as Ikan Bakar, is a popular dish in Indonesia. Various types of fish, such as snapper, grouper, or mackerel, are consumed by the residents.
16. Nauru
Fish Consumption per capita: 44.75 kg
Total Population: 12,511
Nauru, a small island nation in the Central Pacific, has limited fishing resources due to its small land area and surrounding waters. Fish soup is another popular dish in Nauru. It usually consists of fish, such as grouper or reef fish, simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables, herbs, and spices. Fish soup is served as a hearty and nourishing meal, often accompanied by bread or rice.
15. Myanmar
Fish Consumption per capita: 45.85 kg
Total Population: 53,798,084
Myanmar, located in Southeast Asia, has a rich culinary heritage that includes a wide variety of fish dishes. With its extensive coastline and network of rivers, fish plays a significant role in the country's cuisine. Mohinga is considered a national dish in Myanmar. The country has secured the fifteenth position on our list of highest fish consumption by country per capita.
14. Cambodia
Fish Consumption per capita: 46.65 kg
Total Population: 16,589,023
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country located in the southern portion of the Indochinese Peninsula. Fish is a staple ingredient in the local cuisine due to the country's abundant waterways, including the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. Fish Amok is one of Cambodia's most famous dishes. In 2020, Cambodia's fish consumption per capita was recorded at 46.65 kg.
13. Japan
Fish Consumption per capita: 46.65 kg
Total Population: 125,681,593
Japan is known for its seafood-rich cuisine and has a deep appreciation for fish. Tuna, especially bluefin tuna, is highly prized in Japan. It is commonly used for sushi and sashimi. Hamachi or Yellowtail is a popular fish used in various Japanese dishes. It can be enjoyed as sashimi, grilled, or served in sushi rolls. With a per capita consumption of 46.65 kg, Japan stands at the thirteenth position on our list of highest fish consumption by country per capita.
12. Micronesia
Fish Consumption per capita: 48.61 kg
Total Population: 113,131
Micronesia is a vast region in the western Pacific Ocean comprising several island nations and territories. The local cuisine of Micronesia often incorporates a variety of fish and seafood, given its proximity to the ocean. Mahi-Mahi, also known as dolphinfish, is a popular fish in Micronesia. It is often grilled, baked, or pan-fried and served with a side of rice or vegetables.
11. Norway
Fish Consumption per capita: 50.57 kg
Total Population: 5,408,320
Norway, with its extensive coastline and abundance of cold, pristine waters, has a strong tradition of fishing and seafood consumption. Salmon is one of the most popular fish in Norway. It is enjoyed in various forms, including smoked salmon (røkt laks), gravlax (cured salmon), and cooked salmon fillets. Salmon is often served as a main course, in sandwiches, or as a topping for open-faced bread.
10. Seychelles
Fish Consumption per capita: 52.89 kg
Total Population: 99,258
Seychelles is at the tenth position on our list of highest fish consumption by country per capita. The country is renowned for its vibrant marine life and fresh seafood, which considers fish an integral part of its cuisine. Red Snapper is a popular fish in Seychelles and is often prepared in various ways, including grilled, steamed, or fried.
9. Malaysia
Fish Consumption per capita: 53.33 kg
Total Population: 33,573,874
Malaysia, a Southeast Asian country known for its diverse culinary traditions, has a strong affinity for fish and seafood. Like its neighbour Indonesia, Ikan Bakar is a popular dish in Malaysia as well. Another popular dish in Malaysia is Assam Pedas, which is a tangy and spicy fish stew made with ingredients like tamarind, chilli, lemongrass, and various spices. It is commonly cooked with fish varieties such as mackerel (ikan kembung), catfish (ikan patin), or snapper (ikan merah) and served with steamed rice.
8. South Korea
Fish Consumption per capita: 54.66 kg
Total Population: 51,744,876
South Korea, with its long coastline and rich marine resources, has a strong seafood culture. Saengseon or Pacific herring is a popular fish in South Korea, commonly used for making fish cakes (eomuk) and as a filling for various dumplings and pancakes. South Korea is among the top fish-consuming countries in the world.
7. Antigua and Barbuda
Fish Consumption per capita: 57.12 kg
Total Population: 93,219
Antigua and Barbuda, located in the Caribbean, have a strong seafood culture due to the country's coastal location. Snapper, such as red snapper or yellowtail snapper, is a popular fish in Antiguan and Barbudan cuisine.
6. Portugal
Fish Consumption per capita: 59.36 kg
Total Population: 10,325,147
Portugal, with its extensive coastline and fishing traditions, has a deep appreciation for fish and seafood. Bacalhau, or salted cod, is an iconic fish in Portuguese cuisine. It is typically soaked and cooked in various ways, such as Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with potatoes, onions, and eggs), Bacalhau com Natas (cod gratin with cream), or Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (cod casserole with onions, potatoes, and olives).
In addition to Portugal, Maldives, Iceland, and Macao are also on our list of highest fish consumption by country per capita. The increasing demand for fish in countries plays in favour of some of the best fishing stocks, such as Mowi ASA (MOWI.OL), Aquabounty Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:AQB), Leroy Seafood Group ASA (OTCMKTS:LYSFF), and Bakkafrost P/F(OTCMKTS:BKFKF).
