Food forthought:A sustainable aquaculture industry means ensuring sustainable feed sources

摘要

Fish farming represents a great way to produce protein for a growing world population. Aquaculture has a low carbon footprint and -compared with wild fishing - there is no danger of running down wild fish stocks through unsustainable harvesting. The problem is, however, that farmed fish have to be fed. Many of the species we prefer to eat are carnivores that, in the wild, feed on other fish. Fishmeal is therefore a key part of the diet for farmed salmon, for' example.The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) estimates that, by 2030, global aquaculture production is expected to grow to 109 million tons, representing growth of 37% compared with 2016.Based on these figures IFFO - the international trade organisation that represents the marine ingredients industry - suggests there is at least a volume of 75-76 million tonnes of fed species to be produced globally in 2030, and very likely more if rates of change are maintained, growing from approximately 55 million tonnes of fed aquaculture production currently.