Egypt Aquaculture market is
expected to grow impressively through 2028 due to the increasing
demand of fish in the country. In 2022, Egypt’s revenue in fish and seafood
segment has moved drastically which amounts to be approximately USD 12.8 billion
Aquaculture, also known as
fish farming or aqua farming, is the practice of cultivating aquatic organisms
such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants for food, recreation,
and conservation. Aquaculture is a rapidly growing sector of the global economy
and is increasingly recognized as an important source of food and income for
millions of people around the world. In this article, we will explore the
history, benefits, challenges, and future prospects of aquaculture. As the
world’s population continues to grow, demand for food is increasing. Aquaculture
can provide a sustainable source of protein and essential nutrients, particularly
in areas where traditional fishing is not possible or not sufficient to meet
local demand. Aquaculture can provide employment opportunities and
contribute to local and national economies. In many countries, aquaculture is a
significant export industry, generating revenue and creating jobs.
Like all forms of
agriculture, aquaculture can have a negative impact on the environment. Fish
farming can lead to the pollution of waterways through the release of waste and
chemicals and can contribute to the spread of disease and parasites. Fish
farming can be susceptible to disease outbreaks and parasite infestations,
which can result in significant losses for farmers.
Despite the challenges facing
the industry, aquaculture is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
The global demand for seafood is increasing, and aquaculture is seen as an
important way to meet this demand sustainably. Advances in technology, such as improved
feed formulations and disease management techniques, are also expected to make
aquaculture more efficient and sustainable. In addition, the development
of new species for farming, such as seaweed and algae, is expected to provide
new opportunities for aquaculture. These species can be grown in a variety of
environments and can be used for food, fuel, and other applications.
Aquaculture has been
practiced in Egypt for thousands of years, particularly in the Nile Delta and
the Red Sea. The ancient Egyptians used fish ponds and canals to breed and rear
fish for food, and the practice continued throughout the centuries, with the
Copts, Arabs, and Ottomans all contributing to the development of aquaculture
in the region. In the modern era, aquaculture began to develop as a commercial
industry in the 1950s, when the government established a fish farming research
center and began to encourage private investment in the sector.
Today, Egypt is one of the
largest producers of farmed fish in Africa, with an estimated annual production
of around 1.3 million tons. The majority of this production comes from tilapia,
which accounts for around 90% of farmed fish in the country. Other important
species include carp, catfish, and mullet. Aquaculture is an important source
of income and employment for rural communities, particularly in the Nile Delta
and along the Red Sea coast.
Increasing Demand for
Fishes in the Country are Driving Market Growth
One of the primary growth
drivers of the Egypt aquaculture market is increasing demand for fish, both
domestically and internationally. Egypt is a significant consumer of fish, with
per capita consumption estimated at around 21 kg per year. With a growing
population and increasing demand for protein-rich foods, the demand for fish is
expected to continue to rise in the coming years. In addition, there is
significant potential for Egypt to increase its exports of farmed fish,
particularly to markets in Europe and the Middle East. The government has set a
target of increasing fish production to 2 million tons by 2022, which will
require significant investment and expansion of the aquaculture industry.
Government Support is Driving
Market Growth
The Egyptian government has recognized
the importance of the aquaculture industry for food security and economic
development, and has implemented a range of policies and programs to support
the sector which includes Investment in research and development to improve
fish breeding, disease management, and feed quality, Establishment of new fish farms
and upgrading of existing facilities, Provision of financial support to small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the aquaculture industry. Development of export markets for Egyptian farmed fish. This support has helped to create a favorable environment for
growth in the aquaculture industry, and is expected to continue to drive
expansion in the coming years.
The development of new technologies, such
as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and aquaponics, is expected to provide
new opportunities for fish farming in Egypt. RAS systems allow for intensive
fish production in a controlled environment, with minimal water use and reduced
environmental impact. Aquaponics systems combine fish farming with the
production of vegetables or other crops, creating a sustainable and integrated
production system. These technologies are particularly
well-suited to the Egyptian climate, which is hot and dry, and where water
resources are limited. They also provide opportunities for the production of
high-value fish species, such as shrimp and sea bass, which can command premium
prices in international markets.
Major Challenges faced by Aquaculture
Market
Water quality is a critical
factor in the success of aquaculture operations. Poor water quality can lead to
reduced growth rates, increased disease susceptibility, and even mortality in
fish. In Egypt, the quality of water used for aquaculture can be affected by
several factors, including pollution, sedimentation, and salinity. To
address this challenge, the government has implemented several measures to
improve water quality, including the establishment of water treatment plants
and the introduction of regulations to reduce pollution. However, these efforts
have not been sufficient to fully address the problem, and water quality
remains a significant challenge for the industry.
Disease outbreaks can have a
devastating impact on aquaculture operations, leading to significant financial
losses and production delays. In Egypt, disease outbreaks have been reported in
several fish species, including tilapia, which is one of the most widely farmed
species in the country to address this challenge, the government has invested
in research and development to improve disease prevention and management. In
addition, farmers are encouraged to implement biosecurity measures, such as the
use of disinfectants and quarantining new stock before introduction to existing
populations.
Access to international
markets is essential for the growth and development of the Egypt aquaculture
industry. However, the industry faces several challenges in accessing these
markets, including trade barriers, certification requirements, and competition
from other countries. To address this challenge, the
government has worked to establish new trade agreements and to promote Egyptian
farmed fish in international markets. In addition, the industry is working to
achieve international certification standards, such as those set by the
Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which can help to increase market
access.
Recent Trends and Developments
The Egypt
aquaculture industry has also seen significant advancements in technology over
the past three years. One notable development is the adoption of recirculating
aquaculture systems (RAS), which allows for the production of high-quality fish
with minimal water usage and waste. In addition, the industry has seen
advancements in fish genetics, feed formulation, and disease prevention, which
have all contributed to improved production efficiency and sustainability.
The Egyptian
government has implemented several initiatives to support the growth and
development of the aquaculture industry. In 2019, the government launched a
program to support the development of fish farms in the country, with a goal of
increasing production by 50% by 2023. The government has also introduced
regulations to improve water quality and reduce pollution in aquaculture
operations. In addition, the government has worked to promote the adoption of
international certification standards, such as those set by the Aquaculture
Stewardship Council (ASC), to increase market access for Egyptian farmed fish.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a
significant impact on the Egypt aquaculture industry, as it did on many other
sectors of the economy. The closure of international markets and disruption to
global supply chains led to a decline in exports of farmed fish from Egypt.
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Market Segmentation
Egypt Aquaculture Market is
segmented based on Type, Species, Production Type,
Distribution Channel, Region and Competitive Landscape. Based on the Type, the market
is categorized into Land Based Aquaculture v/s
Sea Based Aquaculture. Based on Species the market is divided into Pelagic
Fish, Demersal Fish, Freshwater Fish. Based on Production Type the market is divided
into Small Scale v/s Medium & Large Scale. Based on Distribution Channel
the market is further segmented into Traditional Retail, Supermarkets and
Hypermarkets, Specialized Retailers, Online Stores, Others. Based on region, the
market is divided into Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Qalyubia, Port Said, Suez, and
Rest of Egypt.
Market Players
Agrimatic Farms,
Bustan Aquaponics, Evergreen Egypt United, Grand Fish Feed., NatureWorks, Suez
Canal Fish Farming and Aquaculture Company., PNG Advanced Agriculture Solutions
are
some of the key players of the Egypt Aquaculture Market.
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Attribute
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Details
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Base Year
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2022
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Historic Data
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2018 – 2021
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Estimated
Year
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2023
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Forecast Period
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2024 – 2028
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Quantitative
Units
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Revenue
in USD Million, and CAGR for 2018-2022 and 2023-2028
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Report
coverage
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Revenue
forecast, company |