Fishing Nets and Aquaculture Cages Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Forecast 2034

Fishing Nets and Aquaculture Cages Industry Prospective:

The global fishing nets and aquaculture cages market size was worth around USD 3.25 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 4.49 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 3.30% between 2025 and 2034.

Request Free Sample

Fishing Nets and Aquaculture Cages Market: Overview

Fishing nets and aquaculture cages are fish-handling equipment. They serve different purposes but are concerned with managing fish found in marine or inland water systems. Fishing nets, for instance, are used for catching wild fish from the open sea or ocean.

On the other hand, aquaculture cages are specially designed structures used for fish rearing in a controlled environment. Fishing nets are prepared using highly resistant threads. Different types of fishing require specific fishing nets to serve the end purpose.

Some of the common materials used for producing fish nets include polyethylene, nylon, and polyamide. The major types of fish nets used on a commercial scale are gillnets, nets with rod, line, and hook, fish traps, purse seines, driftnets, and pelagic longlines.

Aquaculture cages are enclosed structures designed to promote aqua farming in open water bodies such as lakes or rivers. Aquaculture cages are divided into three types: floating cages, fixed cages, and submersible cages.

The demand for fishing nets and aquaculture cages has been growing over the years. Increasing demand for fish-based food items is one of the major growth propellers for the market. However, the environmental effects of fishing nets and aquaculture cages have become more evident, causing a restricted market growth rate.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global fishing nets and aquaculture cages market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 3.30% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global fishing nets and aquaculture cages market size was valued at around USD 3.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.49 billion by 2034.
• The fishing nets and aquaculture cages market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing scale of commercial fishing.
• Based on the product type, the fishing nets segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the end-user industry, the commercial use segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Fishing Nets and Aquaculture Cages Market: Growth Drivers

Growing scale of commercial fishing to propel market demand rate in the future

The global fishing nets and aquaculture cages market is expected to be led by the rising scale of commercial fishing. It deals with the use of several techniques and equipment to catch fish from oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers for selling them in the commercial market. One of the key consumers of the global fishing industry is the food & beverage sector and the hotel, cafe, and restaurant (HoReCa) market.

In April 2025, the new US government announced its intention to increase competitiveness within the US fishing industry. Although the country has large ocean reserves, more than 90% of the seafood in the US is imported from other countries. The US government is expected to loosen industry regulations to promote its fishing sector in the coming years.

In December 2023, the German government announced renewed investments worth EUR 15 million in the African fund of Aqua-Spark. The investment will be used to strengthen the African aquaculture sector.

In January 2025, Mowi, one of the world’s largest providers of farmed Atlantic salmon, announced a new agreement with Vigner Olaisen AS. Through this agreement, the former has now acquired a 95% stake in Nova Sea AS.

Increased demand for marine ingredients in cosmetic and wellness industries to propel market revenue

The global cosmetic industry is one of the largest consumers of marine creatures. Fish-based ingredients such as collagen, caviar extract, and seaweed are regularly used in face serums and moisturizers. These ingredients deliver significant skin radiance-boosting properties.

The growing commercial sale of fish due to extensive applications in the cosmetic sector will propel higher usage of fishing nets and aquaculture cages in the coming years. Furthermore, fish oil is a key ingredient of supplements consumed to improve overall wellness. Fish oil is known to improve brain health with regular consumption. It also aids in lowering bad fats in the blood, thus improving heart health.

On the other hand, skin-related benefits of fish oil have become widely popular, further driving the sale of fish, subsequently impacting the demand for the global fishing nets and aquaculture cages market.

Fishing Nets and Aquaculture Cages Market: Restraints

Environmental impact of the industry to limit the market expansion rate

The global fishing nets and aquaculture cages industry is expected to be restricted by the growing concerns over the environmental impact of business operations. Fishing nets, in particular, are considered extremely harmful to the marine ecosystem.

According to official statistics, more than 200,000 turtles die every year due to getting caught in fishing nets. This equipment carries significant risks to the lives of several endangered species living in marine environments. Aquaculture cages can disrupt the natural environment and lead to the introduction of pollutants into water bodies.

Fishing Nets and Aquaculture Cages Market: Opportunities

Increased use of sustainable practices  in the industry and rising government support to generate growth opportunities

The global fishing nets and aquaculture cages market is projected to generate growth opportunities due to the rising use of sustainable practices in the industry. For instance, market players focus on repurposing used and discarded fishing nets to produce new variants. The trend can assist in a significant reduction in the usage of environmentally harmful raw materials used otherwise for developing fishing nets.

In February 2024, the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced the commencement of the ‘Nets for Change’ campaign in India. The program aims to improve the use of repurposed fishing nets to produce basketball nets in the country.

In October 2024, India’s Guwahati University launched a novel floating fish culture cage to aid the region’s fish biodiversity and promote sustainable agriculture practices. The cage consists of 4 chambers for fish rearing and stocking. The cage will operate within natural water bodies and harness water currents for oxygenation and waste removal.

Additionally, the fish farming industry worldwide has gained significant assistance from regional governments. Asian, European, and Middle Eastern countries are witnessing higher investments in aquaculture, prompting the use of fishing nets and cages.

Fishing Nets and Aquaculture Cages Market: Challenges

Operational complexities and waste management to challenge market growth trends

The global fishing nets and aquaculture cages industry is expected to be challenged by the operational complexities associated with using cages and nets in offshore systems. Extreme weather conditions, tidal waves, and other environmental factors can affect the effective functioning of fishing nets or aquaculture cages.

In addition, managing waste generated due to end-of-life fishing nets continues to pose a risk to the industry’s smooth growth momentum.

Fishing Nets and Aquaculture Cages Market: Report Scope

Fishing Nets and Aquaculture Cages Market: Segmentation

The global fishing nets and aquaculture cages market is segmented based on product type, application, end-user industry, and region.

Based on the product type, the global market divisions are aquaculture cages and fishing nets. In 2024, the highest revenue was listed in the fishing nets segment. The increasing rate of commercial and recreational fishing is creating more demand for fishing nets. Additionally, fishing exports are a major segment of several economies worldwide. In 2023, China exported more than USD 10 billion worth of fish to its customers.

Based on application, the global fishing nets and aquaculture cages industry is divided into inland water and marine water.

Based on the end-user industry, the global market segments are commercial use and individual use. In 2024, more than 70% of the market revenue was dominated by the commercial use segment. Growing government support to promote the regional fishing industry will propel demand for aquaculture cages and fishing nets in the coming years. Moreover, higher focus will be directed toward sustainable practices in the fishing industry, creating scope of product innovation, especially in the form of environmentally-friendly fishing nets.

Fishing Nets and Aquaculture Cages Market: Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific to continue leading the market during the forecast period

The global fishing nets and aquaculture cages market is expected to be led by Asia-Pacific during the forecast period. Countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan will emerge as the leading contributors to the regional market. China and India are currently the largest fish suppliers to regional and international markets.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 85% of the people engaged in fish farming are from Asian countries. In recent times, regional economies have witnessed heightened government support to improve the local fish farming industry in the form of higher aids and guidance.

For instance, in March 2025, the fisheries department of Goa in India announced its approval of the use of sea cages in sustainable aquaculture practices. The initiative will promote the rearing of sea bass and cobia near the Anjuna beach.

In August 2023, Japan-based Nitto Seimo Co., Ltd., Toray Industries, Inc., and Maruha Nichiro Corporation subsidiary Taiyo A&F Co., Ltd., announced the broadening of a program initially launched in November 2022. The initiative aims to develop a more effective circular economy to manage plastic pollution in marine environments by recycling used fishing nets into new versions.

Fishing Nets and Aquaculture Cages Market: Competitive Analysis

The global fishing nets and aquaculture cages market is led by players like:

• Nettingland
• AKVA Group
• Miller Net Company Inc.
• Sagar Aqua Culture Pvt. Ltd.
• Garware Technical Fibres Ltd.
• Johnston Net & Twine
• Serge Ferrari
• Mørenot Aquaculture AS
• Qingdao Qihang Fishing Cage Co. Ltd.
• Pioneer Group
• Beckman Fishing Nets
• LESSO Group
• Hvalpsund Net A/S
• SRR Aqua Suppliers LLP
• Delta Net & Twine Co.

The global fishing nets and aquaculture cages market is segmented as follows:

By Product Type

• Aquaculture Cages
• Fishing Nets

By Application

• Inland Water
• Marine Water

By End-User Industry

• Commercial Use
• Individual Use

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa