FAO calls for a global expansion of aquaculture

Aquaculture has seen enormous progress in recent decades, and The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is now calling for global efforts to further strengthen aquaculture for food and sustainable development.

A set of articles published by leading experts in the field outline the need for the sector to have an updated set of governing principles to support the expansion of aquaculture production, while also embracing modern technologies, in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible, economically viable, and meets the needs of present and future generations. Given the fact that aquaculture accounts for nearly 50 percent of the world’s food fish, there are great potentials to contribute to many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Here, fishmeal and fish oil are key components to unlock the potentials of further growth in aquaculture. Fishmeal and fish oil stand out as the strategic components in fish feed, promoting both robust production and animal well-being. Ensuring the availability of marine ingredients in the future becomes crucial for further advancing aquaculture output. Fishmeal and fish oil provide a balanced amount of all essential amino acids, minerals, phospholipids and fatty acids (DHA and EPA) and the use of fishmeal and fish oil in feed for aquaculture constitutes a very effective use of marine oil and protein. Fishmeal and fish oil produced from responsibly managed fisheries for fish with little or no potential for direct human consumption, as well as cut-offs from the filleting industry, are thus helping to bring important long chain Omega 3 fatty acids and proteins into the food chain and including them in the diets of consumers.

As representatives of the European fishmeal and fish oil industry, European Fishmeal and Fish Oil Producers welcomes FAO’s call to strengthen aquaculture for food and sustainable development. With an ever-increasing focus on aquaculture, fishmeal and fish oil are essential in order to achieve sustainable production and consumption in the aquatic food chain.

Read more about FAO’s call here.

You can also read more about aquaculture on EFFOP’s website here.