From Waste to Value – Supporting a Circular Economy: Highlights from EFFOP Conference 2026

From 9-12 June 2026, EFFOP held its biennial conference in Bremerhaven, Germany, bringing together over 130 representatives from the European fishmeal and fish oil industry, associated members, researchers, policymakers, civil servants, and industry leaders.

Under the theme “From Waste to Value: Supporting a Circular Economy,” this year’s conference explored how marine by-products are becoming an increasingly important resource in the a circular and sustainable blue economy. The programme combined presentations on the latest industry developments with a visit to our German member Bioceval, a leading producer of fishmeal and fish oil operating exclusively on trimmings and by-products.

The conference also hosted our Annual General Assembly. After two years as President, Odd Eliasen stepped down from the role. Johannes von Holten (Germany) was elected as the new President, while Heiðmar Guðmundsson (Iceland) was elected Vice President.

From Waste to Value: Advancing a Circular Blue Economy

Marine by-products are becoming an increasingly important source for producing high-value marine ingredients. Since 2000, their share of global fishmeal production has increased from 19% to 35%, and untapped potential remains. Combined with one of the lowest carbon footprints among feed ingredients, marine by-products are a valuable circular resource for the future.

This development formed the foundation of our 2026 conference theme, highlighting the industry’s growing role in supporting circularity, resource efficiency, and the sustainable blue economy.

Exploring the German Industry and the Future of Blue Foods

The conference opened with a focus on the German blue proteins industry and its role in European supply chains. Although Germany has only a limited domestic catching sector, its processing sector plays a vital role in adding value to seafood products. Bremerhaven, one of Europe’s largest port cities, remains a central hub for blue protein processing and logistics. Participants also had the opportunity to visit the busy commercial part of Bremhaven and gain insight into its importance for European imports and exports.

A particular highlight was the visit to Bioceval’s production facility in Cuxhaven. As one of the few fishmeal and fish oil producers sourcing exclusively trimmings and by-products, Bioceval demonstrates how circular principles can be successfully implemented in practice. The visit provided participants with first-hand insight into how materials, that would otherwise go unused, are transformed into valuable marine ingredients.

The first day also explored the growing importance of blue foods in feeding a growing global population. As demand for sustainable protein continues to rise, blue foods offer significant environmental advantages compared to most land-based protein sources, including a lower climate footprint. With increasing pressure on agricultural land from soil degradation and climate change, making better use of marine resources, including by-products, will be essential for building resilient and sustainable food systems.

During the opening day, outgoing President Odd Eliasen also presented his Presidential Report, reflecting on the our activities and achievements over the past two years. Read the full report here: President Report 2026

Innovation, Traceability and the Future of Marine Ingredients

The second day focused on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of marine ingredients.

Discussions highlighted how greater utilisation of by-products not only supports circularity but also helps reduce the environmental footprint of food and feed production. While land-based proteins still dominate global production, climate change, soil degradation, rising energy costs, and geopolitical uncertainty underline the need for sustainable blue protein sources that can contribute to a more resilient food system.

Another key topic was traceability, which remains fundamental to maintaining trust and credibility throughout the value chain. Independent certification schemes and recognised standards play a crucial role in verifying how raw materials comply with fisheries regulations, scientific advice, and sustainability requirements. Participants received updates on the latest developments in certification and traceability, covering the entire value chain: from responsibly sourced raw materials to processing and feed production.

The conference also addressed future fishing opportunities, raw material availability, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and DNA-based methods that are expected to strengthen traceability and improve efficiency across the sector. In addition, participants received updates on regulatory developments concerning contaminants, food safety, health, and future policy initiatives and visions affecting fisheries and aquaculture.

Together, these discussions highlighted the central role of the marine ingredients industry in supporting sustainable food production while continuously adapting to new scientific, technological, and regulatory developments.

Looking Ahead

We would like to thank all speakers and participants for contributing to another successful conference. We extend our sincere appreciation to our German member, Bioceval, and our new President, Johannes von Holten, for hosting this year’s event. We also thank our outgoing President, Odd Eliasen, for his dedicated leadership and valuable contribution to the EFFOP over the past two years.

We are pleased to announce that the next EFFOP Conference will take place in 2028 in Vigo, Spain, hosted by our Spanish member, Anfaco-Cecopesca. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in supporting a competitive, innovative, and sustainable European marine ingredients sector.

Want to Learn More?

The EFFOP Conference is exclusively for members. Members can access the conference programme, presentations, and participant list through the members’ area page of the website. If you have any questions, please contact the EFFOP Secretariat.

Interested in becoming an EFFOP member and joining future conferences? We would be pleased to hear from you.

See more photos from the conference below.