Marine By-Products Market
The world marine by-products market, valued at USD 33,725.4 million in 2023, is experiencing robust growth. With a 10.5% year-on-year revenue increase in 2024, the market is projected to reach USD 37,303.1 million in 2025. Looking ahead, exports are expected to expand at a 5.6% CAGR, reaching USD 64,325.7 million by 2035, driven by strong demand for functional foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and animal nutrition.
Rising Demand for Marine-Derived Ingredients
Marine by-products such as fish meal and fish oil are increasingly valued for their high omega-3 fatty acid content, which supports cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Manufacturers are capitalizing on these properties to meet the growing consumer demand for functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Beyond nutrition, marine by-products are finding applications in cosmetics, animal feed, fertilizers, and biofuels. Fish meal, in particular, is recognized as a high-quality protein source for pets, aquaculture, and livestock. With sustainability a core industry priority, manufacturers are exploring circular economy practices to minimize wastage and maximize the value of all marine resources.
Market Trends and Semi-Annual Growth Insights
The marine by-products market is experiencing consistent growth, with a CAGR of 5.5% projected for the first half of 2025–2035 and 5.6% in the second half. The first half of the period shows a 20 BPS increase, followed by a 10 BPS rise in the second half. Key drivers include technological advancements in processing, rising aquaculture activity, and heightened consumer health awareness.
Global Market Concentration and Leading Players
Multinational Leaders
Global firms dominate through high-tech extraction, diversified products, and robust supply chains. Omega Protein Corporation (USA) is a major player, producing sustainably sourced fish meal and fish oil for human, animal, and aquafeed markets. Royal DSM (Netherlands) focuses on omega-3 ingredients for functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharma applications.
Regional Leaders
European companies such as Bioceval (Germany) and Scanbio Marine Group (Norway) emphasize sustainable marine sourcing and efficient waste recovery, producing fish meal, fish oil, and protein concentrates for feed, pet food, and oleochemical industries.
Chinese Dominant Players
China leads in bulk marine by-product production, exporting fish meal, collagen peptides, and chitosan to food, pharmaceutical, and animal feed markets. Key players include Shandong Hengxing Ocean Biotechnology and Zhoushan Putuo Ruibang Marine Products.
Shifts in Marine By-Products Demand
Sustainability Driving Consumer Choices
Global awareness of sustainable seafood is increasing. Over 65% of seafood consumers prefer sustainably sourced products. Companies are responding by upcycling ocean waste into functional ingredients, packaging, and cosmetic solutions. Examples include Sea6 Energy and Oceanium, which convert seaweed and other by-products into food ingredients and compostable materials.
Growth in Animal Feed and Pet Nutrition
Sustainably sourced fish meal is increasingly used in pet food and aquafeed. Mars Petcare and Nestlé Purina have introduced products enriched with omega-3 and marine protein, while startups like Because Animals focus on lab-cultured fish proteins to reduce dependence on wild-caught fish.
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Functional Beverages and Nutraceuticals
Marine ingredients such as collagen peptides, omega-3 oils, and seaweed extracts are fueling growth in functional beverages. Companies like Dose & Co, Vital Proteins, and Vida Glow have launched products targeting gut health, skin wellness, and immunity, achieving double-digit sales growth.
Country-Specific Insights
- USA: Growth driven by nutraceutical demand and sustainable aquaculture practices. Marine by-products are key in pet nutrition, functional foods, and omega-3 supplements.
- Germany: Stringent EU regulations and high interest in marine bioactives for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are boosting growth.
- China: Market expansion in fish protein hydrolysates, marine enzymes, and sustainable fishery initiatives supports industry growth.
- Japan: Longstanding tradition of utilizing all marine resources supports marine peptide and functional seafood derivative markets.
- India: Government initiatives in sustainable aquaculture and seafood waste utilization are fueling growth in marine protein supplements and organic fertilizers.
Market Segmentation Insights
Marine Proteins & Fish Meal
The largest market segment in 2025, with a 65.4% value share, driven by aquafeed, livestock feed, and pet nutrition. Fish meal’s high protein, amino acids, and omega-3 content support optimal animal growth and health.
Nutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics
This segment is projected to hold a 34.6% value share in 2025. Demand for collagen peptides, marine elastin, and omega-3 supplements supports anti-aging, joint health, and dermatological applications. Manufacturers are prioritizing traceable, sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly extraction methods.
Competitive Landscape and Strategies
Key players are advancing sustainable processing and functional ingredient innovation. Leading companies include TripleNine Group, Pelagia AS, BioMar, and GC Rieber Oils. Strategic initiatives include:
- Fermentation-based marine protein extraction
- Enzymatic hydrolysis for high-purity bioactives
- Fortified marine protein powders for aquafeed and nutraceuticals
- Carbon-neutral marine processing and sustainable sourcing
Partnerships, biorefinery investments, and eco-friendly innovation are central to maintaining competitive advantage and addressing consumer demand for health-focused, environmentally responsible marine products.
