Fishmeal and fish oil hold an important position as the foundation of the world's fed aquaculture production 

They are not replaceable as nutrients in aquafeeds due to the particular nutrients that are provided uniquely by these materials. As the world’s population is growing at a fast pace, especially in Asia and Africa, aquaculture contributes more and more to feeding the world’s population with highly nutritious products. By 2030, 62% of seafood is expected to come from aquaculture (FAO).

Petter M. Johannessen, IFFO's Director General, says: “To continue facing these needs, aquaculture relies on a good supply of quality feeds that farmed animals would eat in the wild: fishmeal and fish oil provide these proteins which are not found in other ingredients.” 

Certification exists in the industry, and this is an independent way of reviewing the production practices and the responsible sourcing of material

Petter M. Johannessen adds: “A large part of the raw material for fishmeal and fish oil production comes from certified plants (52%), and the fisheries supplying the raw material have been verified as largely well-managed by independent NGOs such as the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership”. 

In addition to whole fish, a significant proportion (one third) of fishmeal and fish oil annually is manufactured from fisheries byproducts. The trend for the use of this material is increasing.

Fishmeal factories are expected to comply with national regulations including those for environmental impacts management. There are many examples of the industry adopting technology around the world, such as waste water treatment as well as deodorisation units to manage the environmental impacts of the production process.

IFFO calls for collaboration as a way of promoting effective improvements over time

Petter M. Johannessen concludes: “Although largely the fisheries supplying raw material are well-managed, IFFO recognises that there are challenges in the responsible sourcing of raw material for fishmeal and fish oil production in some countries. IFFO expects adherence to existing regulations and is supportive of certification schemes and the adoption of approaches such as Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) based on the principle of collaboration.”