As of 2023, the number of self-employed persons in the fishing and aquaculture sector in the US was estimated at 15,000 individuals. The forecast from 2024 to 2028 indicates a stabilization of this workforce, with a slight decline to 14,000 persons from 2025 onwards, marking a steady trend without significant fluctuations. This represents a -6.7% year-on-year decline at the start of the forecast (from 2024 to 2025), but the subsequent annual growth rate stabilizes at 0% from 2025 to 2028. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over these five years suggests no further decline in this workforce segment, indicating a plateauing in numbers.

Future trends to watch for:

Technological advancements in sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices could affect labor needs.
Regulatory changes and environmental factors might influence industry dynamics and self-employment numbers.
Market demand for seafood and changes in consumer preferences could impact self-employment in this sector.