In pursuit of unlimited aquaculture output

Although aquaculture faces the challenge of a limited or decreasing sustainable supply, “the aquaculture industry has anticipated that challenge and has some responses,” the expert asserts.

 

Jackson emphasised that in 1960, 98.5% of all fishmeal were used in feed for pigs and cattle. Today, "these producers are worried because they will not be able to increase their production without new fishmeal sources.”

 

In his opinion, a similar transformation in aquaculture will be noted. "Nevertheless,” he clarifies, “marine raw materials will continue making a significant contribution. This is because we are working on assuring a sustainable supply through the application of effective regulations."

 

"Research is reducing the levels of fishmeal and fish oil necessary in fish feed. The increasing volume of this raw material comes from by-products, which represents a major advance," he continues explaining.

 

Jackson admits that it is necessary to take precautions, since the same species should not be fed with the same fishmeal.

 

In addition, it would be pertinent to be careful to avoid by-products of threatened species, he contends.

"We are implementing a definition on what constitutes an acceptable by-product to add it to our standard," he says on the matter.

 

In October of last year, the IFFO introduced their Responsible Supply Standard that covers two critical areas: the source responsible for the production of fishmeal and fish oil , and the purity and safety of these products.

 

The entity cooperates with fishmeal producers, food companies, aquaculturists, retailers, as well as with the Global Aquaculture Alliance, the Marine Conservation Society and with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) in the launch of that standard.

 

Jackson will participate in the next edition of the conference AquaVision from 7 to 9 June in Stavanger, Norway.

 

According to the latest sectorial report drafted by the Fisheries Subsecretariat (SUBPESCA), 22,038 tonnes of fishmeal worth US$32.4 million ($1,470/t) were sold overseas this past January, whereas a year before, 49,079 tonnes worth $44 million ($896/t) had been exported.

 

The major destination markets of fishmeal were China, Japan, Spain, South Korea and Canada.

Source: Fis Information & Services