Human consumption of aquatic animal products is greater than ever before. Today, aquatic animals are the main source of protein for billions of people worldwide, and demand is expected to increase. To satisfy this demand, aquatic animal production will need to double by 2050, with most of this growth coming from aquaculture.

Yet, aquatic animal diseases threaten the sustainable growth of the aquaculture sector and, consequently, our food supply. This threat is shared and requires coordinated actions by the OIE and its Members, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to protect and improve aquatic animal health worldwide.

Acknowledging the need to build more sustainable aquatic animal health systems, the OIE launched its first Aquatic Animal Health Strategy in May 2021. This Strategy will improve aquatic animal health and welfare worldwide, contributing to sustainable economic growth, poverty alleviation and food security, thereby supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

[ View the OIE Aquatic Animal Health Strategy 2021–2025 ]