ORGANIC FISH MARKET 2025: WHAT’S NEXT IN SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE?

Organic Fish Market 2025: What’s Next in sustainable aquaculture? 

Introduction

As consumer awareness of sustainability and health continues to rise, the organic fish market is gaining significant momentum. With environmental concerns surrounding conventional aquaculture and overfishing, the demand for responsibly farmed, chemical-free, and nutrient-rich seafood is on the rise. As we approach 2025, the organic fish industry is set to witness new trends, regulatory shifts, and technological advancements. According to Persistence Market Research, the global organic fish market is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% and thereby increase from a value of US$ 1.68 Bn in 2024 to US$ 2.29 Bn by the end of 2031.

This blog explores the future of the organic fish market and what lies ahead for sustainable aquaculture.

Growing Consumer Demand for Organic Fish

Consumers today are increasingly mindful of their dietary choices, prioritising food sources that align with health and sustainability values. Organic fish, free from synthetic additives, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), has emerged as a preferred choice for health-conscious individuals.

Market research indicates that:

• The organic fish sector is expected to grow significantly due to rising consumer preference for clean-label products.
• Sustainable sourcing certifications, such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and USDA Organic, are becoming crucial purchasing criteria.
• Restaurants and retailers are expanding their organic seafood offerings to meet the evolving demand.

Innovations in Sustainable Aquaculture

Sustainable aquaculture practices are evolving with cutting-edge technologies to enhance organic fish farming. Some key advancements include:

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): These closed-loop systems reduce water usage, minimise waste, and enhance fish health, making organic fish farming more efficient.
• Algae-Based Feed Alternatives: With traditional fishmeal linked to overfishing, plant-based and algae-derived feed solutions are gaining traction, ensuring better nutrition without harming marine ecosystems.
• Genetic Selection for Disease Resistance: Researchers are developing naturally disease-resistant fish breeds to reduce dependency on antibiotics while maintaining organic certification.

Regulatory Landscape and Certification Challenges

The organic fish market faces regulatory challenges that shape its growth trajectory. While organic standards exist for terrestrial farming, aquaculture-specific certifications vary globally.

• The USDA Organic Aquaculture Standards aim to streamline organic fish farming practices, ensuring compliance with sustainability benchmarks.
• In Europe, EU Organic Regulations for aquaculture mandate strict criteria for organic fish, including habitat conditions, feed quality, and disease management.
• Certification processes can be costly and complex, limiting accessibility for small-scale aquaculture farmers.

Key Market Players and Competitive Landscape

The organic fish market is witnessing a surge in investments and expansions from major players. Companies are focusing on strategic partnerships and technological advancements to strengthen their market positions. Some of the key players include:

• Mowi ASA – A leading name in sustainable aquaculture with a strong focus on organic fish production.
• Cermaq Group AS – A global seafood company emphasising environmentally responsible fish farming practices.
• Grieg Seafood ASA – Actively investing in eco-friendly and organic aquaculture solutions.
• The Scottish Salmon Company – Dedicated to high-quality, organically certified salmon farming.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for the Organic Fish Market?

By 2025, the organic fish market is expected to experience substantial advancements:

• Expansion of Organic Certifications: More countries will likely adopt standardised organic aquaculture guidelines, promoting transparency and trust among consumers.
• Retail and E-commerce Growth: With online seafood purchases increasing, organic fish producers will enhance their digital presence to reach global audiences.
• Increased Research on Sustainable Feeds: Alternative protein sources such as insect-based feed and lab-grown fishmeal will gain momentum in the organic fish sector.
• Government Support and Policy Changes: Policies promoting sustainable seafood initiatives and organic farming incentives will accelerate market growth.

Conclusion

The organic fish market is poised for remarkable growth in 2025, driven by sustainability efforts, consumer awareness, and technological innovations. While challenges remain in standardizing regulations and scaling production, the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical aquaculture practices signals a promising future. As demand for organic seafood continues to surge, stakeholders across the supply chain must collaborate to ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for global aquaculture.

Photo credit: Persistence Market Research