According to the Market Statsville Group (MSG), the Global Recirculating Aquaculture System Market size is expected to grow from USD 2,453.9 million in 2023 to USD 5,347.2 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2024 to 2033.

A recirculating aquaculture system is an advanced and sustainable method of fish and aquatic organism farming that efficiently manages water resources while maintaining optimal environmental conditions for the growth and well-being of aquatic species. This system minimizes water usage and reduces the environmental impact that is caused due to traditional open-water aquaculture. In recirculating aquaculture systems, water is continually treated and recycled within a closed-loop system, minimizing the demand for volumes of fresh water and reducing the discharge of pollutants into natural water bodies. The system typically consists of tanks for raising aquatic organisms, a water treatment system that removes waste and toxins, and a controlled environment for maintaining oxygen levels, water temperature, and other parameters. Additionally, biological filtration processes, such as the use of beneficial bacteria, help convert harmful substances like ammonia into less harmful forms.

The increasing demand for seafood consumption is driving the market demand. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, around 134.3 million tonnes of total world fisheries and aquaculture were produced in the 2000s and has risen to around 178.9 million tonnes, 177.4 million tonnes, and 177.8 million tonnes of world fisheries and aquaculture production in 2018, 2019, and 2020 respectively. Traditional methods of capturing fisheries lead to overexploitation and depletion of fish stocks, which increases the demand for aquaculture to meet the growing demand for seafood, significantly driving the demand for the recirculating aquaculture system market. With the rising awareness of the environmental impact of traditional open-water aquaculture, there is a growing preference for closed-loop systems that minimize the release of pollutants, reduce water usage, and decrease the risk of disease transmission to wild populations.

The initial cost of constructing recirculating aquaculture system facilities, including tanks, filtration systems, and environmental controls, is expensive for many potential aquaculture operators, especially small-scale farmers. Also, the ongoing operational and maintenance costs of these aquaculture systems restrict the market demand. Ongoing advancements in recirculating aquaculture system technology to improve system efficiency, minimize operational costs, and make these systems more accessible to a wide range of farmers, will likely lead to increased adoption and market expansion. Many governments and organizations are recognizing the benefits of recirculating aquaculture system and are offering incentives, grants, and subsidies to encourage its development and create a lucrative growth opportunity for the market. For instance:

• In 2017, the Government of India launched Mission Blue Revolution to accelerate fish production via various techniques. The initiative under Mission Blue Revolution includes a low-cost recirculatory aquaculture system (RAS), an integrated approach to setup RAS units, promotion of indoor culture-based fisheries, an increase in fish feed production infrastructure, a cluster approach to be adopted, tie up of all stages from fish seed to marketing, diversification of cultured Species, NFDB to Assist/supervise implementation of Action Plan with States
• In 2019, the UAE’s government launched the National Aquaculture Pulse to promote aquaculture opportunities in the country. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is focused on the advancement of its food production industries, with a specific commitment to the aquaculture sector. This emphasis on aquaculture aligns with its vital role in realizing the UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan. The plan encompasses the preservation and sustainable management of marine resources, significantly assuring food security for both present and future generations.
• Similarly, The UK government has demonstrated a keen interest in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) as part of its commitment to attaining the goals outlined in the English Aquaculture Plan. This plan aims to achieve an annual aquatic food production target of 34,608 tonnes by 2040 while also aligning with the sustainability objectives defined in the Fisheries Act of 2020.

Thus, increasing government initiatives for the adoption of recirculating aquaculture systems and making aquaculture more sustainable is creating a lucrative growth demand for the market over the forecast period.

Recirculating Aquaculture System Market Segmental Analysis, 2024-2033

Based on type, the market is divided into indoor system and outdoor system. The outdoor system segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023. The outdoor systems provide scalability and flexibility, which is attractive for commercial aquaculture operations. These systems can be altered to various sizes and types of aquatic organisms, including fish, and shrimp, leading to increasing production demands to cater the global hunger. The outdoor RAS systems get natural light that promotes photosynthesis in aquatic plants and phytoplankton, which form an integral part of the aquatic food chain, contributing to the overall ecosystem within the recirculating aquaculture system. It also facilitates waste management and water quality control and enhances the overall water treatment process, leading to better water quality and healthier aquatic organisms.

Based on the regions, the global recirculating aquaculture system market has been segmented across Europe, North America, the Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific, and South America. Asia Pacific held a dominant position with 34% share in the global recirculating aquaculture system market in 2023. With the increasing demand for high-quality and organic seafood, the recirculating aquaculture system witnessed significant growth as it offers a sustainable and efficient solution to cater to the huge demand for fish and other aquatic products. Further, the region’s continuous focus on sustainable aquaculture practices to protect ecosystems and conserve natural resources is another factor contributing to the regional growth in the market. The government of various economies initiatives, promotion, and subsidies for recirculating aquaculture system in the region is further boosting the market demand during the forecast period.

Report Scope of the Global Recirculating Aquaculture System Market

This market research study categorizes the recirculating aquaculture system market-based on type, and application area at the regional and global levels.

By Type Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Closed Type
• Semi-closed Type

By Application Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Indoor System
• Outdoor System

By Region Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • France
  • UK
  • Spain
  • Poland
  • Russia
  • The Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Czech Republic
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Singapore
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Egypt
  • Rest of MEA

Recirculating Aquaculture System Market Key Players, 2023

The Major key players in the global recirculating aquaculture system market are:

• Skretting 
• Xylem 
• RADAQUA 
• PR Aqua
• AquaMaof
• Billund Aquaculture
• AKVA Group
• Hesy Aquaculture
• Aquacare Environment
• Qingdao Haixing
• Clewer Aquaculture
• Sterner
• Veolia
• FRD Japan
• MAT-KULING
• Fox Aquaculture
• Pentair
• Innovasea
• Nocera
• BioFishency
• SENECT
• Alpha Aqua