SUSTAINABLE FEED RESOURCES OF MARINE ORIGIN

Abstract

The rapid growth of aquaculture has led to increasing demand for fishmeal and fish oil – especially to feed carnivorous fish species at the expense of terrestrial livestock feeds. But raw material production from industrial ‘feed-grade ’ fish has not increased – nor will it in the future. Fishery controls, especially quotas, govern production. The industry supports the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and its call for ecosystem management over and above that of TAC’s of individual stocks. This is reflected in widespread controls for feed grade fisheries based on advice from Government agencies, such as ICES in Europe, IMARPE in Peru and IFOP in Chile,- which are outlined. Much of the criticism levelled against the industry is misplaced, but not all feed grade fisheries are fully sustainable and specific areas for improvement are commented on.