Abstract:
Time series data was used to compute 5-year moving average rates of growth in salmon aquaculture production over time for four of the world's leading salmon farming countries, and globally. This analysis reveals a decline of 1.2% per year in global farmed salmon production since it peaked in 1966. Analysis of production data for all farmed finfish, both marine and freshwater, shows a decline of 0.34% per year in the growth rate from the peak year. These results have implications for global fisheries policy because it means that it is unlikely that aquaculture alone can meet the fish protein needs of humans.