Wild-caught fish numbers

A recent study revealed that between 2000 and 2019, an estimated 1.1 to 2.2 trillion wild-caught fish are captured annually. Despite fish now being recognized as sentient beings, they are still measured in kilograms rather than individuals, unlike marine mammals and farmed animals. Over half of these captured fish, between 490 to 1,100 billion, are processed into fishmeal and oil, primarily for use in animal farming. This high number of captured fish raises significant animal welfare concerns, as fishing practices often result in poor welfare during capture and killing.

The study highlights the need for the Food and Agriculture Organisation to report wild fish capture numbers in order to better assess and address welfare issues in the fishing industry. It also brings attention to the impact of illegal fishing, discards, and ghost fishing - fish caught in discarded gear - which are not accounted for in the estimated numbers. Overall, the staggering scale of wild fish capture underscores the importance of addressing animal welfare concerns and promoting sustainable practices in the fishing industry.