Expensive Farmed Salmon Threatens Affordable Fish Access Globally

October 18, 2024

A study published on October 16, 2024, in Science Advances, explores how the rising demand for farmed salmon is making it harder for coastal communities to access affordable fish. The research, led by Patricia Majluf from Cayetano Heredia University, focuses on how small fish, known as forage fish, are being used to make fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) for aquaculture (fish farming).

Key Issues with Reduction Fisheries

Reduction fisheries are fisheries where small fish, like anchovies or sardines, are caught specifically to be turned into fishmeal and fish oil, rather than being eaten by people. These fisheries make up a large portion of the global fish catch. 12 of the world’s top 20 fisheries target these small species. One of the biggest is the Peruvian anchoveta, which is mostly used to produce FMFO. This has created challenges for local communities who rely on these fish for food.

Impact on Coastal Communities

Many poor coastal communities depend on these small fish for both food and their livelihoods. But because these fish are being used to feed farmed fish, like salmon, instead of being available for local consumption, these communities are struggling to access an affordable source of protein.

Understanding the Fish-in-Fish-out (FIFO) Ratio

The FIFO ratio is used to measure how much wild fish is needed to produce farmed fish. The study points out that some in the aquaculture industry are not fully honest about how much wild fish, like anchoveta, is required to feed farmed fish, particularly carnivorous fish like salmon. While the industry claims they are using less fishmeal in feeds, there is still a high demand for fish oil, especially for farmed salmon, which is eaten in large quantities worldwide.

Concerns About Sustainability

Climate change is making it harder to maintain healthy fish populations, especially important species like the Peruvian anchoveta. Overfishing, particularly catching young fish before they can reproduce, is further harming these populations. This has caused some feed producers to look for other sources, including fish that are typically eaten by people, to maintain the fish oil supply.

Recommendations for the Aquaculture Industry

The study recommends that the aquaculture industry find alternatives to using fishmeal and fish oil in fish feeds. This would help make fish farming more sustainable and ensure that coastal communities can continue to rely on fish as a critical food source. Improving the sustainability of fish feeds is important for both protecting the environment and ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to affordable fish.

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