Marine Biotechnology Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Bioactive Substance, Biomaterials), By Technology (Isolation and Cultivation of Microorganisms, Culture-Independent Techniques), By Application (Aquaculture and Food Products, Environment & Human Health, Drug Discovery, and Others), By End User Industry (Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Cosmetic, and Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Marine Biotechnology Market was valued at USD 6.35 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9.57 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.08% during the forecast period. The global market for Marine Biotechnology is experiencing significant growth, driven by growing demand for natural products from marine derived like seaweed related products and increasing investments in the development of sustainable and natural products. Additionally, increasing advancement in the areas of fisheries, drug discovery and aquaculture are expected to boost market growth in the forecast period. 

Additionally, increasing demand for different efficient therapeutics to deliver quality care is further propel the marine biotechnology market in the forecast period. Marine derived drugs are developed for the treatment of different chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neurological disorder. Besides, growing consumer awareness and increasing emphasis on eco-friendly products is further enhancing the demand of marine biotechnology. 

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Sustainable Bio-based Products

The increasing global emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly alternatives is a significant driver for the marine biotechnology market. Marine organisms provide a vast and largely untapped source of bioactive compounds, enzymes, and polymers, which are being increasingly utilized in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications. These natural, biodegradable materials offer a viable alternative to petroleum-based products, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Government support for bio-based economies further fuels this demand. For instance, the European Union’s Bioeconomy Strategy, revised in 2018, places strong emphasis on utilizing renewable biological resources sustainably, including marine resources. The EU Blue Bioeconomy Report highlights how marine biotechnology supports sustainable growth and the circular economy, with funding initiatives such as the Horizon Europe program allocating billions of euros toward marine bioeconomy research and innovation.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has supported research into marine algae for biofuel production under its Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). BETO-funded programs such as the Algae Technology Education Consortium (ATEC) aim to develop the U.S. algae workforce and support bio-product development. Marine biotechnology is thus seen as pivotal to national strategies for climate change mitigation, resource security, and economic development.

The rise in consumer awareness about the environmental impact of synthetic chemicals and plastics is also driving demand for marine-derived alternatives. As industries continue to seek sustainable raw materials, marine biotechnology stands to benefit, making it a key component of the global transition to a greener economy.

Advancements in Genomics and Marine Bioprospecting

Technological advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and high-throughput screening methods have revolutionized marine bioprospecting—the exploration of marine biodiversity for new bioactive compounds. The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and bioinformatics platforms has enabled researchers to decode the genomes of marine microorganisms, sponges, algae, and invertebrates, significantly accelerating the discovery of novel enzymes, antibiotics, and other valuable bioactive substances. Marine genomics has received robust support from government initiatives. For example, the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), led by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), encourages countries to invest in ocean science and technology, including marine genetic resources. Nations like Norway, through programs like MARINFORSK, and Japan, through its Ocean Policy Basic Plan, have allocated significant funds to marine bioprospecting and biotechnology R&D.

Moreover, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has supported the development of marine biotechnology through its Ocean Exploration and Research program. It has explored deep-sea ecosystems to identify novel species with potential pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Such government-backed advancements in omics technologies allow the identification and exploitation of previously inaccessible marine microorganisms. These technologies not only enhance the efficiency and precision of compound discovery but also open new avenues for synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. As a result, the marine biotechnology industry is increasingly able to translate biodiversity into commercially viable products, thus propelling market growth.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

Regulatory and Legal Framework Complexities

One of the most pressing challenges in the global marine biotechnology market is navigating the complex and fragmented regulatory landscape governing access to marine genetic resources. Marine bioprospecting often involves sampling from international waters or exclusive economic zones (EEZs), leading to jurisdictional ambiguities and compliance issues under international law. The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS) under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aims to regulate the use of genetic resources and ensure fair benefit-sharing. However, its implementation varies significantly across countries, causing uncertainty for marine biotech companies. For instance, some countries enforce strict ABS laws that require long and bureaucratic approval processes, while others have more lenient or unclear regulations.

Moreover, marine biotechnology activities often intersect with maritime laws, environmental protection regulations, and ethical concerns over the exploitation of marine biodiversity. This complexity can delay research, restrict access to biological samples, and hinder international collaboration. In areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), legal frameworks for access and benefit-sharing remain under negotiation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Governments are working to address these gaps. The 2023 UN High Seas Treaty, adopted to protect biodiversity in ABNJ, aims to establish clearer rules for marine genetic resource usage. However, practical implementation will take time, and industry stakeholders still face regulatory uncertainty in the interim.

High Costs and Technical Barriers to Commercialization

Despite the immense potential of marine biotechnology, high research and development (R&D) costs, along with significant technical challenges, remain key barriers to market entry and expansion. The marine environment poses unique logistical difficulties—such as sample collection from deep-sea habitats, complex bioactive extraction processes, and the need for specialized cultivation and fermentation technologies. Conducting R&D in marine biotechnology requires substantial capital investment, particularly in infrastructure such as bioreactors, subsea exploration tools, and genomic sequencing equipment. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up a large portion of the innovation ecosystem, often lack the financial resources to scale their discoveries to commercial production.

Government funding exists but remains limited relative to need. For instance, while the European Union’s Horizon Europe program and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) offer grants for marine biotechnology, the competition is intense, and the success rate is low. In developing countries, financial and technical support for marine biotechnology is even more scarce, despite their rich marine biodiversity. Additionally, many marine-derived compounds have complex molecular structures that make them difficult to synthesize or mass-produce. The path from discovery to market can take over a decade and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, especially for marine pharmaceuticals that require clinical trials and regulatory approval.

These cost and technology constraints limit the scalability and global accessibility of marine biotech innovations. Without substantial public-private partnerships and increased government funding, the marine biotechnology sector risks being confined to niche applications rather than achieving its full market potential.

Key Market Trends

Expansion of Marine-Derived Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals

The growing recognition of marine organisms as sources of novel bioactive compounds is reshaping the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Marine-derived compounds have shown promising therapeutic potential, particularly in areas such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective treatments. This is driving increased investment in marine-based drug discovery and nutraceutical development.

Marine-derived drugs such as Ziconotide, developed from cone snail venom for chronic pain, and Trabectedin, derived from sea squirts for cancer treatment, have demonstrated the clinical and commercial viability of marine bioproducts. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), multiple marine-origin compounds are in various stages of clinical trials, indicating the growing interest in marine pharmaceuticals. Governments are also increasingly promoting the exploration of marine biodiversity for medical applications. The European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC-ERIC), supported by the European Commission, facilitates access to marine biodiversity and research infrastructure to accelerate drug discovery. Similarly, India’s Department of Biotechnology has launched the Marine Bioresource and Biotechnology (MBB) program under its “Blue Economy” initiatives to support the development of marine-derived pharmaceuticals.

On the nutraceutical front, the demand for marine omega-3 fatty acids, astaxanthin, and marine collagen is rising due to their health benefits. Regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. FDA have established frameworks that support the marketing of these marine-based functional ingredients.

Increasing Investment in Algae-Based Bioindustries

The emergence of algae as a key bio-resource is one of the most transformative trends in marine biotechnology. Algae—both micro and macro—are being increasingly leveraged for biofuels, food supplements, bioplastics, animal feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to their rapid growth rates, high biomass productivity, and minimal land and freshwater requirements.

Governments across the globe are strategically investing in algae-based research. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched multiple initiatives such as the Advanced Algal Systems Program, which supports R&D in algae biomass production and conversion technologies. In 2022 alone, the DOE awarded over $34 million in funding to projects focused on improving algae strains, harvesting methods, and downstream processing. The European Commission has also emphasized the role of algae in the European Green Deal, stating in its “Blue Bioeconomy” roadmap that algae will play a vital role in Europe’s climate-neutral economy by 2050. Furthermore, countries like South Korea and Japan are investing in seaweed farming as part of their national food security and bioeconomy strategies.

The versatility of algae in carbon sequestration, wastewater treatment, and production of high-value compounds makes it a cornerstone of marine bioindustrial development. With the dual benefits of economic viability and ecological sustainability, the algae sector is expected to become a major pillar of the global marine biotechnology market in the coming years.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Based on Type, the Bioactive Substances segment holds the largest market share and exhibits the fastest growth in the global marine biotechnology market. The large market share of this segment is primarily driven by the pharmaceutical industry’s growing interest in discovering novel marine-derived drugs. For example, drugs like Trabectedin (used in cancer treatment) and Ziconotide (used for severe chronic pain), which are already on the market, demonstrate the clinical value of marine-derived bioactive compounds. Additionally, these substances are increasingly used in dietary supplements and functional foods, such as omega-3 fatty acids and marine peptides, which are widely consumed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Government research bodies, such as the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC), have long supported marine bioprospecting and drug discovery initiatives, ensuring continued dominance of bioactive substances in the market.

Download Free Sample Report

Regional Insights

Based on the region, North America accounted for the largest share of the global marine biotechnology market. This dominance can be attributed to a combination of robust research infrastructure, strong government support, and a high level of investment in marine-based innovations. The region hosts several leading marine research institutions and biotechnology companies that actively engage in bioprospecting, aquaculture biotechnology, marine pharmaceuticals, and algae-based product development. In the United States, organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have launched various initiatives to support marine biotechnology. For example, the DOE's Advanced Algal Systems Program continues to fund projects aimed at advancing algae-based biofuels and bioproducts. Additionally, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) provides research grants for marine genomics and bioprocessing, enhancing innovation in the sector.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, Bharat Biotech has invested $75 million in its first cell and gene therapy facility in Telangana, India, aiming to launch new therapies in three years. The company is targeting oncology and rare diseases and is working on cost-effective treatments for the Indian market. They are also considering exporting these advanced therapies.
• In March 2025, Isobionics, a biotechnology brand of BASF Aroma Ingredients, is launching two new natural ingredients on the flavor market. Isobionics® Natural beta-Sinensal 20 and Isobionics® Natural alpha-Humulene 90 are produced using an innovative cutting-edge fermentation process, making them a novelty in the flavor industry. Both new products will be presented for the first time at the FlavourTalk Raw Materials Exhibition 2025, which will take place on March 26-27 at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel Conference Centre in London, United Kingdom.
• In May 2023, Blue Bio Value, a biotechnology organization, launched the 2023 edition of its Blue Bio Value Acceleration Programme. The initiative is designed to accelerate the growth of startups operating along the marine bioresource value chain, particularly those in the blue biotechnology sector that provide sustainable products or services aimed at promoting more responsible and efficient use of ocean resources.
• In February 2023, Ittinsect, an Italy-based biotech startup, announced the successful completion of its first funding round, raising approximately US$792,300. The investment was backed by CDP Venture Capital through its Accelerators Fund, alongside Katapult Ocean, Indico Capital Partners, LVenture Group, and two angel investors. The funding will support the development of a sustainable alternative to traditional aquaculture feed.

Key Market Players

• Lonza Group
• Sea Run Holdings Inc
• PharmaMar S.A.
• Cyanotech Corporation
• New England Biolabs Inc.
• Qingdao Codo International Ltd
• Nutrex Hawai Inc.
• Royal DSM N.V.
• Prolume Ltd.
• CP Kelco US Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Marine Biotechnology Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Marine Biotechnology Market, By Type:

o   Bioactive Substance

o   Biomaterials

• Marine Biotechnology Market, By Technology:

o   Isolation and Cultivation of Microorganisms

o   Culture-Independent Techniques

• Marine Biotechnology Market, By Application:

o   Aquaculture and Food Products

o   Environment & Human Health

o   Drug Discovery

o   Others

• Marine Biotechnology Market, By End User Industry:

o   Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals

o   Chemicals

o   Cosmetic

o   Others

• Marine Biotechnology Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Mexico

§  Canada

o   Europe

§  France

§  Germany

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  South Korea

§  Japan

§  Australia

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East and Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Marine Biotechnology Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Marine Biotechnology Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Marine Biotechnology Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]