Six times more food from the ocean

Page date: Published 27 Mar 2023; updated 21 Sep 2026. 3 min read. The page says the original article appeared on the Institute of Marine Research site on 19 Nov 2019.

The article summarizes the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy’s 2019 Blue Paper, “The Future of Food from the Sea.” It reports the paper’s estimate that better management and technology could enable up to six times more food from the ocean than current supply, amounting to more than two thirds of the animal protein needed for a growing population. These are estimates from the cited report, not current production figures.

The paper is described as finding potential for capture fisheries to yield up to 20% more catch under current fishing pressure by reducing overfishing, making better use of catches and increasing production from underfished resources. It identifies marine aquaculture as the largest potential source of additional production, while calling for sustainable feed ingredients and solutions to disease, parasites and environmental impacts. It estimates the ocean could provide 364 million metric tons more animal protein in the future, conditional on improved fisheries management.

The article highlights Norway’s research-based ocean management framework, combining scientific knowledge with business regulation and oversight. Peter Haugan of the Institute of Marine Research co-chaired the High Level Panel Expert Group; Linda Nøstbakken of NHH was Norway’s contributing author. Author named: Marie Hauge. Related link: Aquaculture and fisheries.