Is aquaculture sustainable?

Yes, when done properly.  As a global society, we are around 7.5 billion people heading towards 10 billion by 2050. Not only does this present the problem of an additional 2 billion mouths to feed, human diets are also increasingly shifting in line with growing prosperity. Consequently, the forecast that current global agriculture production needs to almost double by the midway point of this century makes long-term food and nutrient security one of the most pressing challenges that we face today. 

Sea farm

As the world’s most efficient protein generator, aquaculture is one of the most important long-term growth areas for food production. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), aquaculture production is expected to increase to 106 million tonnes in 2030, with an overall growth of 22 percent or nearly 19 million tonnes compared with 2020. 

(Source: ‘The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture’, FAO 2022). 

Aquaculture is capable of producing large volumes of high-quality, healthy and traceable seafood. In comparison with terrestrial livestock farming, the industry has low carbon footprint and feed conversion ratio (FCR); it also has high protein and energy retention, and harvested edible yield compared to other centre-plate proteins. This makes it a strong model for how protein should be farmed in the future. 

In addition to controlling the efficient utilisation of specific nutrients, the combination of high-specification diets with the application of optimal feeding has facilitated a steady reduction of feed conversion ratios (FCR). A better FCR has direct consequences on the rearing environment and water quality through a reduction of feed waste. This improved control of the farming system as a whole (feed in, water quality, feed waste, health status of animals etc.) allows fish and shrimp farmers to maintain more efficient production levels while lowering their impact on the environment. This is an ideal approach to increase further aquaculture production volumes in a sustainable manner.

Feeding central
Therese and UN goals

To further facilitate sustainable aquaculture and live up to our responsibilities and ambitions, Skretting adheres to the vision and actions provided by our global sustainability programme throughout our business. The programme has also been aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which define global sustainability priorities and seek to mobilise efforts around a common set of targets.

Frequent questions on sustainability

Why is aquaculture important?

According to WWF, 85% of the world’s marine stocks are either fully exploited or overfished. Our planet’s population is forecast to expand by over 2 billion people by 2050, and with this growth will come a much greater demand for food, including seafood.

Learn more about the importance of aquaculture

Are circular economy principles applied to aquaculture feeds?

Yes. In aquaculture, the circular economy utilises by-products and waste generated by supply chains in the production of food for human consumption.

Learn more about circularity

Is aquaculture sustainable?

Yes, when done properly.  As a global society, we are around 7.5 billion people heading towards 10 billion by 2050. Not only does this present the problem of an additional 2 billion mouths to feed, human diets are also increasingly shifting in line with growing prosperity. 

why aquaculture is sustainable

Are our feeds sustainable?

Skretting is committed to make feeds that meet global sustainability requirements in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development goals (SDGs). Sustainable feeds are essential to support the growth of aquaculture as one of the world's most efficient protein production methods. 

Learn more about how Skretting feeds are sustainable 

Is aquaculture controlled?

In most regions, aquaculture is subject to strict controls throughout every stage of production right up to the point of human consumption. Skretting feeds undergo strict quality control processes. As we take food safety very seriously, Skretting has a global, comprehensive feed to food quality programme whereby we monitor for unwanted substances in both raw materials and feeds. 

Learn more about how aquaculture is controlled

How are we contributing to feeding a growing global population?

Skretting delivers safe and sustainable feeds and services worldwide to fish and shrimp farmers to ensure the responsible production of healthy and delicious food. We are focused on reducing our environmental footprint and increasing our positive social impact. 

Learn more about how Skretting contributes

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