Fishmeal is so much more than protein!

Now more than ever, health and safety has come to the fore and ranks top of the world’s agenda. Food production is a broad and multifaceted sector with a complex value chain. It bears a huge responsibility: feeding the world in a healthy way but also in a responsible way. The seafood sector’s responsibility was highlighted in the recent EAT-Lancet report, in order to achieve two goals: a healthier population and a healthier planet: “Agriculture and fisheries must not only produce enough calories to feed a growing global population but must also produce a diversity of foods that nurture human health and support environmental sustainability.”

According to the FAO, the obvious source of fish protein for human consumption in the future will be aquaculture. Fishmeal and fish oil have a special place in the necessary development of aquaculture, bringing unique qualities to the required feed supplies. They are a secure, nutritious protein to feed the world. But they are much more than protein. With fishmeal used as a feed ingredient, farmers can rely on a balanced, highly digestible and palatable product, which is to be used at strategic stages of the production cycle of animal in support of growth and health. Fishmeal contains typically 60% to 72% protein and 5% to 12% fat, which is high in the health promoting omega-3 very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA, often referred to as 'omega-3s'. The proteins in fishmeal have excellent amino acid profiles that fit precisely the amino acid requirements for carnivorous fish species. The modern aquaculture industry would not exist in its current form without these ingredients as they meet fish nutritional requirements in a single package.

Although aquafeed is the major market, taking 65-70% of the material, fishmeal is also key ingredients for other species, including pigs (where they are used in weaning diets) poultry, and pet food.  For these other animals, fishmeal provides recognized superior nutrition. This way, they provide a direct connection between fisheries and terrestrial food production. Those nutrients provide nutritional benefits to a very wide range of consumers throughout the world and ensure that quality food is produced from quality feed.

Quality feed means quality food.

The industry’s pioneering approach back in the 2000s to create a certification platform known as IFFO RS, was instrumental in providing assurance on the quality of marine ingredients used as feeds, especially with regards to its traceability. Today, bringing more clarity to the way the industry interacts with certification schemes has become a requirement and I strongly support IFFO RS’ rebranding.

Petter Martin Johannessen

In IFFO's newsletter this month you'll learn about:

- IFFO's analysis on the reduction industry's situation amid the Covid-19 crisis
- IFFO RS' new name
- What makes fishmeal so special
- Marine ingredients have a multiplier effect