Fishing Drones Market - By Product (Fixed Wing Drone, Rotary Blade Drone, Hybrid Drone), By Mode of Operation (Remotely Operated, Semi-autonomous, Autonomous), By Payload Capacity (Below 1 kg, 1-2 kg, Above 2 kg), By Application & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Fishing Drones Market Size

Fishing Drones Market was valued at USD 824.8 million in 2023 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 12% between 2024 and 2032. The growth of the market can be attributed to the rise in fishing activities across the globe.
 

According to the 2024 edition of the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN), global fisheries and aquaculture production increased to over 220 million tons in 2022, showing a 4.4% increase from the year 2020. The production consisted of over 180 million tons of aquatic animals and around 40 million tons of algae. This growing fishing activity increases the demand for efficiency in fishing operations which can be fulfilled by fishing drones.  
 

In addition, fishing drones enable fishermen to monitor and locate fish schools more efficiently than traditional methods. This capability significantly enhances catch rates and reduces fuel costs by optimizing fishing routes and targeting productive fishing grounds directly.
 

Companies operating in the market are launching innovative low-cost fishing drones to enhance the fishing experience and make it affordable for a wider range of customers. This is expected to support the growth of the adoption of fishing drones globally. For instance, in December 2023, Urban Drones collaborated with SwellPro to launch FD3, a waterproof fishing drone offering precision bait delivery, dual bait release, and a wide range of innovative features. The drones are designed for sport fishermen to provide them with modern drone technology at low prices and enhance their fishing experience. The company has priced the retail price of the new basic drone and the advanced version, at around USD 1,600 and USD 1,900 respectively.
 

The major factors hindering the growth of the market include regulatory and legal challenges. Many regions have regulations regarding drone usage such as restrictions on flying over water bodies, requirements for permits, and distance limitations from people or vessels. Drones operating over water must comply with these regulations, which can be complex and vary across different regions and further limit the operational flexibility of fishing drones. Also, the initial investment cost deters potential users, especially recreational anglers who are not willing to invest heavily in such technology, thus hampering the market growth.
 

Fishing Drones Market Trends

The integration of advanced features such as GPS integration, high-resolution cameras, and autonomous navigation systems into fishing drones is enhancing fishing efficiency. Additionally, some models are also capable of detecting fish schools using sonar technology. There is a growing trend among recreational fishermen to use drones for scouting fishing spots and delivering bait to precise locations. This trend is driven by the ease of use and the ability to reach previously inaccessible areas. In addition, recent models of fishing drones boast improved battery life and higher payload capacities, thus allowing for longer flight times and the ability to carry heavier baits and lines. This development is particularly beneficial for offshore fishing activities. Further, it is also being used for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts. These models help in tracking fish populations, studying aquatic habitats, and monitoring illegal fishing activities.
 

Furthermore, manufacturers are developing specialized drones tailored to specific fishing needs. For instance, In June 2024, Aeroo launched the Aeroo Pro, a new fishing drone model with sleek design and black color. The new drone has a payload weight of 1 kg and provides more lift capacity. The drone has good wind resistance which allows it to cope with coastal weather challenges. The fishing drones are equipped with high high-definition cameras with built-in full mechanical stabilization.
 

Fishing Drones Market Analysis

Based on the product, the market is divided into fixed wing drones, rotary blade drones, and hybrid drones. The rotary blade drones accounted for over 65% market share in 2023 and is expected to reach over USD 1.5 billion by 2032, owing to their versatility and ease of maneuverability. These drones are equipped with multiple rotors, providing enhanced stability and precision, which is crucial for fishing applications. The ability to hover and make precise movements makes rotary-blade drones ideal for dropping bait and scouting fishing spots.
 

In addition, recent advancements have led to the development of rotary blade drones with extended battery life and higher payload capacities, allowing for longer fishing sessions and the ability to carry heavier bait and tackle.  Further, the integration of advanced sensors and cameras in these drones is leading to its adoption in various fishing scenarios, ranging from shallow freshwater bodies to deep-sea environments.
 

Based on application, the fishing drones market is categorized into recreational fishing, commercial fishing, and others. The commercial fishing segment accounted for a market share of 62% in 2023 and is poised to grow during the forecasted period. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the growing demand for premium seafood products, driven by consumer preferences for quality, which encourages commercial operators to use innovative technologies such as fishing drones to meet market expectations.
 

Furthermore, the usage of fishing drones in commercial fishing has revolutionized the industry by increasing efficiency and reducing operational costs. Further, drones equipped with advanced sonar and imaging technology can quickly locate fish schools, thus significantly reducing the time and effort required in traditional fishing methods. This technology is particularly beneficial in large-scale commercial operations where time and resource optimization are critical.
 

North America accounted for around 34% market share in 2023 and is projected to register significant growth during the forecast period, owing to technological advancements and increasing adoption among both recreational and commercial fishermen. The strong technological infrastructure in the region supports the integration of advanced features such as GPS, high-definition cameras, and autonomous navigation systems in fishing drones. Furthermore, the rising popularity of drone fishing competitions and events is boosting market demand. Further, regulatory support and clear guidelines on drone usage in fishing are also facilitating market expansion.
 

Moreover, the U.S. has well-established fisheries management policies and regulations focused on sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of marine resources. Fishing drones play a major role in fisheries management by offering accurate data on fish populations, monitoring compliance with fishing quotas, and supporting scientific research initiatives.
 

China is the world's largest producer of aquaculture products. Fishing drones are increasingly used in aquaculture operations for various tasks including monitoring fish health, water quality assessment, and feeding operations. This adoption is driven by the need to improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance productivity in the aquaculture sector. This is expected to drive the growth of the market in the country.
 

The fishing drones industry growth in Latin America can be attributed to its extensive coastal areas and rich marine biodiversity which makes Latin America a significant region for commercial fishing activities. These drones help operators efficiently monitor and manage these vast marine resources, improving catch efficiency and reducing operational costs, thus creating business opportunities in the market.
 

Fishing Drones Market Share

SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd and SwellPro Technology Co., Ltd. hold a significant market share of over 30% in the fishing drones industry. DJI focuses on continuous innovation in drone technology to develop specialized fishing drones equipped with advanced sensors and optimized stability features tailored for fishing applications.
 

SwellPro focuses on expanding its market reach through strategic partnerships with distributors, retailers, and industry stakeholders. This allows the company to penetrate new markets and get a competitive edge by using local market knowledge and distribution networks.
 

Fishing Drones Market Companies

Major players operating in the fishing drones industry are:

• Aerokontiki
• AguaDrone
• Autel Robotics Co., Ltd.
• Chasing Innovation
• Gannet
• PowerVision 
• Rippton
• SwellPro Technology Co., Ltd.
• SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. 
• Yuneec International Co. Ltd.
   

Fishing Drones Industry News

• In July 2023, Aker Biomarine launched Mariner USV, to optimize krill fishing and help in reducing emissions using big data. The USV is six-meter long and is equipped with a range of sensor integrations. This product can be used in the search for krill and gather data for research and population mapping.
   

The fishing drones market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and shipment (Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Fixed wing drones
• Rotary blade drones
• Hybrid drones

Market, By Mode of Operation

• Remotely operated
• Semi-autonomous
• Autonomous

Market, By Payload Capacity

• Below 1 kg
• 1-2 kg
• Above 2 kg

Market, By Application

• Recreational fishing
• Commercial fishing
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Nordics
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • ANZ
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Rest of MEA