Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – September 18, 2025 – The Global Marine-derived Protein Market is projected to reach USD 17.2 billion by 2034, up from USD 7.6 billion in 2024, growing at a steady CAGR of 8.5% from 2025 to 2034. In 2024, North America dominated the market with a 37.4% share, generating revenues of USD 2.8 billion.
The sector is expanding rapidly, supported by rising consumer interest in sustainable and nutritious protein alternatives to conventional animal sources. Marine-derived proteins extracted from fish, algae, and crustaceans are valued for their rich composition of essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and bioactive peptides. These attributes make them key ingredients in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and animal feed.
Government initiatives are playing a crucial role in market development, particularly in India. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), introduced under the Union Budget 2019 with an outlay of ₹3,737 crore, continues to modernize fish processing infrastructure, boost production, and align fisheries with farmer-welfare programs. Projects worth ₹21,274.16 crore had been approved, with ₹17,210.46 crore allocated for infrastructure improvements.
In August 2025, Odisha launched the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC), supported by the state’s science and technology department alongside the National Institute of Ocean Technology. This corridor aims to strengthen marine biotechnology, nutraceutical innovation, startup incubation, and ocean stewardship across Odisha’s 574 km coastline.
Key Takeaways
- Marine-derived Protein Market size is expected to be worth around USD 17.2 billion by 2034, from USD 7.6 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 8.5%.
- Fish-based products held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 57.2% share in the global marine-derived protein market.
- Concentrates held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 46.8% share in the global marine-derived protein market.
- Direct sales held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 38.9% share in the global marine-derived protein market.
- North America emerged as the leading region in the marine‑derived protein market, securing a substantial 37.4% share—equivalent to approximately USD 2.8 billion.
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Report Scope
| Report Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Value (2024) | USD 7.6 Billion |
| Forecast Revenue (2034) | USD 17.2 Billion |
| CAGR (2025-2034) | 8.5% |
| Segments Covered | By Source (Fish-based, Shellfish-based, Algae-based, Others), By Form (Concentrates, Hydrolysates, Isolates), By Distribution Channel (Direct sales, Distributors, Retail, Others) |
| Competitive Landscape | Aker, Cargill, Cellulac, Corbion, FMC Corporation, Biomega, Corbion NV, Epax, SOPROPECHE, Symrise, Scanbio Marine Group AS |
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Key Market Segments
Source Analysis
Fish-Based Proteins Lead with 57.2% Market Share
In 2024, fish-based proteins commanded a 57.2% share of the global marine-derived protein market, propelled by their exceptional nutritional profile, including high levels of essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and bioactive peptides. The growing consumer preference for clean-label, sustainable nutrition has fueled demand for fish-based protein products, particularly in health, fitness, and dietary applications.
Sourced from abundant species such as cod, haddock, tuna, and salmon, these proteins are easily processed into powders, hydrolysates, and isolates, making them highly versatile for use in functional foods, dietary supplements, and sports nutrition. Strong demand in 2024 was evident in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, driven by heightened health awareness and the needs of aging populations for high-quality, digestible protein sources.
Form Analysis
Protein Concentrates Hold 46.8% Market Share in 2024
In 2024, protein concentrates captured a 46.8% share of the global marine-derived protein market, attributed to their cost-effectiveness, nutritional density, and adaptability across food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries. With protein content ranging from 50% to 80%, marine protein concentrates retain essential fats and minerals, making them ideal for functional foods where flavor and nutrition are priorities.
Demand surged in 2024, particularly in sports nutrition and wellness products like protein bars, energy shakes, soups, and elderly nutrition solutions. Their compatibility with other ingredients and mild flavor profile give concentrates an edge over isolates and hydrolysates in mainstream applications, driving their widespread adoption.
Distribution Channel Analysis
Direct Sales Dominate with 38.9% Share in 2024
In 2024, direct sales accounted for a 38.9% share of the global marine-derived protein market, thriving due to their ability to fulfill bulk orders, foster long-term B2B relationships, and provide tailored solutions to food manufacturers, supplement brands, and contract formulators. Direct sales offer competitive pricing, technical support, and product samples, which are critical for industries prioritizing formulation precision and ingredient reliability.
Major buyers, including sports nutrition brands, functional beverage producers, and pharmaceutical companies, favor direct procurement of marine protein concentrates and hydrolysates for streamlined supply chains and enhanced quality control. In 2024, suppliers bolstered direct sales through specialized teams and digital B2B platforms, strengthening outreach in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Regional Analysis
North America Commands 37.4% Share, Valued at USD 2.8 Billion in 2024
In 2024, North America led the global marine-derived protein market with a 37.4% share, equivalent to USD 2.8 billion, driven by rising health consciousness and demand for sustainable, high-quality proteins like fish-based concentrates and hydrolysates. Consumers in the U.S. and Canada increasingly seek omega-3-rich and bioactive peptide-containing products for supplements, functional foods, beverages, and skincare applications, cementing the region’s dominance.
Top Use Cases
- Sports Nutrition Boost: Marine-derived proteins from fish and algae provide easy-to-digest amino acids that help athletes build muscle and recover faster after workouts. These natural sources fit into personalized meal plans, reducing inflammation and supporting overall energy without heavy side effects. As a market analyst, I see this growing in supplement bars and shakes, appealing to fitness enthusiasts seeking clean, ocean-sourced performance edges.
- Skin and Beauty Care: Proteins like collagen from jellyfish or shellfish improve skin elasticity and hydration in creams and serums. They offer gentle anti-aging benefits, fitting clean beauty trends without harsh chemicals. From a market view, this taps into rising demand for natural cosmetics, where consumers prefer sustainable marine ingredients for glowing, youthful looks in daily routines.
- Health Supplements for Wellness: These proteins deliver bioactive peptides that ease blood pressure and boost heart health in daily capsules or drinks. Sourced from seaweed and seafood, they promote relaxation and immune strength for busy lifestyles. As an analyst, I note their role in expanding nutraceutical lines, drawing health-focused buyers who value ocean-derived options for everyday vitality.
- Functional Food Fortification: Adding marine proteins to yogurts, breads, and ready meals enhances nutrition while keeping flavors mild. They act as natural binders, improving texture in plant-based alternatives. Market-wise, this supports the shift to fortified foods, where families seek hidden health perks from sustainable sea sources in convenient, everyday products.
- Pharmaceutical and Immune Support: Peptides from marine microbes fight infections and balance immune responses in targeted therapies. Their stability makes them ideal for new drugs tackling chronic issues. In analysis terms, this opens doors in biotech, with rising interest in low-toxicity treatments derived from ocean biodiversity for safer, innovative health solutions.
Recent Developments
1. Aker BioMarine
Aker BioMarine is advancing marine protein ingredients through its Superba Krill offerings. Recent developments focus on sustainability certifications and research into krill’s nutritional benefits for muscle health and sports nutrition. They continue to invest in their Antarctic krill fishery, emphasizing traceability and a low environmental footprint to meet the growing demand for sustainable marine proteins.
2. Cargill
Cargill is expanding its aquatic feed portfolio with sustainable marine-derived proteins. Their recent focus is on partnering with innovators like InnovaFeed to develop new fish feed ingredients that reduce reliance on wild-caught fish. This includes integrating alternative marine sources to create more circular and sustainable supply chains for aquaculture, ensuring future growth and reduced environmental impact.
3. Cellulac
Cellulac developed a proprietary biorefinery process to extract high-value compounds from microalgae. While now primarily focused on other bioproducts, their historical expertise lies in the sustainable, large-scale cultivation and processing of marine microorganisms to produce proteins, oils, and biodegradable plastics, demonstrating a novel approach to deriving value from marine biomass without overfishing.
4. Corbion
Corbion is a leader in algae-based innovations. Their recent developments include expanding the production of algal ingredients, including proteins, for food and feed. They focus on sustainable, non-GMO microalgae cultivation (fermentation) to create high-quality, reliable, and traceable ingredients. This supports the shift towards alternative proteins that alleviate pressure on traditional agriculture and marine ecosystems.
5. FMC Corporation
FMC Corporation, through its spin-off and subsequent acquisition by DuPont, has been involved in microalgae-derived products. Their focus has been on nutritional ingredients like omega-3 oils (EPA and DHA) from sustainably farmed marine microalgae. These developments provide a plant-based, ocean-friendly alternative to fish oil for supplements, infant formula, and food fortification, addressing sustainability concerns in the marine ingredient sector.
Conclusion
Marine-derived protein as a rising star in sustainable nutrition, blending ocean abundance with health-driven innovation. It meets growing needs for clean, versatile ingredients across foods, beauty aids, and wellness products, while promoting eco-friendly sourcing from by-products. This shift promises broader access to natural benefits, fostering a balanced future where sea resources nourish global demands without straining land-based supplies.
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