Does aquaculture use more wild fish than it produces?
There is no single answer for all aquaculture. The relationship between wild-fish inputs and farmed-fish production varies by species, life stage, feed formulation, feed efficiency and the method used to make the calculation.
Fishmeal and fish oil are important sources of nutrients in many aquaculture feeds. They may be produced from whole fish or from by-products generated when seafood is processed for human consumption. Their use differs between species and feeds and can also change during the production cycle.
How is wild-fish use measured?
Using marine resources responsibly
Skretting works to use marine ingredients effectively while broadening the range of suitable ingredients available for aquaculture feed. Feed formulation considers the nutrients required by the species and life stage, the quality and source of the ingredients, and the intended use of the product.
Reducing the percentage of fishmeal or fish oil in a feed does not by itself demonstrate lower wild-fish use or better environmental performance. Feed efficiency, ingredient origins and the calculation method must also be considered.
Our marine-ingredient requirements consider available information on species, fishery and origin, the use of whole fish and by-products, traceability, certification and fishery improvement programmes. We report our use of marine ingredients and responsible-sourcing progress in the latest Impact Report.
MicroBalance®: an innovation in aquafeed production
MicroBalance® is a formulation approach developed through Skretting’s research into the micronutrients supplied by feed ingredients and how they support fish and shrimp nutrition. This knowledge allows formulators to use a broader range of suitable raw materials while meeting the defined nutritional requirements of the species and life stage.
The approach has enabled lower fishmeal inclusion in feeds for several species while maintaining the nutritional specifications and intended performance of the complete formulation under the conditions assessed. The ingredients used and the achievable inclusion levels vary by species, product, market and available raw materials.
MicroBalance® helps broaden the ingredient options available for aquaculture feed. Its contribution to wild-fish use and environmental performance must still be assessed in the context of the full formulation, including fish-oil use, feed efficiency, ingredient origins and the methodology applied.
Frequent questions on feed ingredients
What ingredients are in our feed?
Aquaculture feeds contain essential nutrients that should be delivered in the right quantities to keep fish and shrimp growing well and healthily. These nutrients come from a variety of different sources. In addition to fish meal and fish oil, they often contain other vegetable-based meals and oils, fish trimmings and processed by-products from land animals.
Are our raw materials responsibly sourced?
We work to source raw materials responsibly by setting approval and sourcing requirements for ingredients and suppliers. Depending on the ingredient and supply chain, these requirements can cover nutrition, quality, safety, regulatory compliance, traceability, and environmental and social risks.
Are animal by-products dangerous to human health?
Animal by-products are not inherently dangerous to human health when they are legally permitted for use in aquaculture feed and meet the applicable safety, quality and processing requirements. Only eligible materials from defined categories can be used, and controls apply to their sourcing, processing and inclusion in feed.
Do salmon and trout feeds contain colouring?
Yes. Feeds for salmon and trout may contain astaxanthin, a carotenoid that contributes to the characteristic red or pink colour of salmonid flesh. Astaxanthin occurs naturally in the aquatic food chain and also has biological functions in salmonids.
Do feeds contain growth hormones or antibiotics?
Skretting feeds do not contain growth-promoting hormones. Antibiotics are not used as routine feed ingredients or to promote growth.
Do feeds contain chemicals or preservatives?
Feeds may contain authorised additives, including preservatives, when they serve a defined purpose such as maintaining product quality or stability. These substances must comply with applicable feed legislation and the permitted conditions and maximum levels for their use.
What is ethoxyquin and is it safe?
Ethoxyquin is an antioxidant that protects and maintains the quality of the omega-3 fatty acids in fish meal, particularly during transport and storage.
What are fish meal and fish oil, and why are they used in aquaculture feeds?
Fish meal is a powder obtained after cooking, pressing, drying and milling fresh raw fish, while fish oil is a liquid pressed from the cooked fish. Both are produced from harvesting short-lived, fast-growing stocks of small, bony and oily fish for which there is little or no demand for human consumption.
How much wild fish is needed to feed farmed fish?
Skretting now has the knowledge and R&D to produce Atlantic salmon feeds requiring zero fish meal, and zero fish oil. We invest in R&D that provides full flexibility.
Do we use novel ingredients in our feeds?
Yes. Skretting is in full support of the development of novel ingredients and we have been using some of these in our diets with the support of those customers.