Marine proteins must be part of Europe’s protein future

The Danish Presidency is addressing European protein production at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 14 July. We welcome this important initiative and calls for the rightful inclusion of marine proteins in the discussion.

Marine proteins, such as fishmeal and fish oil, are not only among the most nutritious and digestible sources of protein, they are also exemplary in terms of sustainability. With up to 40% of the raw materials coming from by-products of the fish processing industry, their production contributes to near zero waste, supports circular food systems and has a significantly lower carbon footprint than many land-based protein sources used in feed.

Europe has a unique strength in this area – a well-established production capacity and a high degree of self-sufficiency. However, marine proteins are still absent from the current EU protein debate, which is mainly focused on plant sources.

EFFOP urges Member States to recognize marine proteins as a strategic pillar in Europe’s food and feed systems. We also reiterate the need for regulatory progress and put forward some concrete proposals, addressed in the recent EU Feed Circularity Catalogue, to:

• Lift the scientifically outdated ban on fishmeal in ruminant feed
• Extend the legal definitions of fishmeal and fish oil to include low-trophic aquatic invertebrates, thereby opening up new sustainable marine resources

Marine proteins are essential for European aquaculture, food sovereignty and the transition to a more sustainable, resilient protein supply. It is time for EU policy to reflect this.

For more details, EFFOP’s full position is available here.