Aquaculture uses far more wild fish than previously estimated, Rosenstiel study finds – WLRN

Fish Farming Relies Heavily on Wild Fish, Study Finds

Fish farming, also known as aquaculture, is believed to have vast potential in addressing global food needs, according to scientists. However, a recent study conducted by the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School has revealed that global fish farming relies more heavily on wild-caught ocean fish than previously thought. These wild-caught fish are used as feed for carnivorous farmed species, such as salmon, trout, and eel.

Study Highlights

• The study was conducted by an international team of scientists from Rosenstiel, Peru’s Oceana, and New York University.
• It aimed to reassess the “fish-in:fish-out” (FI:FO) ratio for global fed aquaculture, a key metric used to evaluate sustainability and efficiency.
• The findings indicate that the ratio of wild fish inputs to farmed fish outputs is 27% to 30% higher than previous estimates.
• For carnivorous farmed species, the use of wild fish inputs is likely more than twice the biomass of farmed fish produced.
• The study highlights the significant impact of aquaculture on marine ecosystems.

The research team took into account previously overlooked sources of wild fish in aquaculture feed, such as trimmings and byproducts from wild-caught fish. This led to a more accurate understanding of the industry’s reliance on wild fish extraction.

“Our study reveals that the aquaculture industry relies more heavily on wild fish extraction than previous research has suggested,” said Spencer Roberts, a doctoral student at Rosenstiel and the lead author of the study. “This demonstrates the scale at which aquaculture could be impacting marine ecosystems.”

The study also examined the environmental trade-offs involved in reducing the use of wild fish in aquaculture feed. It found that the offshore aquaculture industry is rapidly growing, and instead of replacing wild-caught fish in their feed, other sources are simply supplementing their use.

Peru, home to the largest fishmeal fishery in the world, plays a significant role in the reliance on wild fish for aquaculture feed.

Implications and Recommendations

The findings of this study have significant implications for policy-makers, investors, and consumers. The study calls for more comprehensive and transparent reporting of feed ingredients in the aquaculture industry to ensure sustainability and responsible practices.

It is crucial to address the reliance on wild fish in aquaculture and explore alternative feed sources that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By promoting responsible aquaculture practices, we can work towards achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Overall, this study highlights the need for a more sustainable approach to fish farming, taking into account the impact on wild fish populations and marine ecosystems. By prioritizing the SDGs and implementing responsible practices, we can harness the potential of aquaculture to address global food needs while preserving our oceans for future generations.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses the potential of fish farming in feeding the world.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article highlights the impact of fish farming on wild fish populations and marine ecosystems.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article calls for more comprehensive and transparent reporting of feed ingredients in the aquaculture industry.

2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:

• SDG 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
• SDG 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics.
• SDG 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.

3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article:

• Ratio of wild fish inputs to farmed fish outputs – The article mentions that the ratio is 27% to 30% higher than previous estimates.
• Impact on wild fish populations – The article states that wild fish inputs likely exceeded twice the farmed fish biomass produced for carnivorous farmed species.
• Comprehensive and transparent reporting of feed ingredients – The article calls for more reporting in the aquaculture industry.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wlrn.org