The global demand for fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) is rising, primarily driven by the growth of the aquaculture sector. Historically, FMFO has been produced from wild-capture fisheries, but this supply is limited and faces sustainability and food security challenges. As a result, alternative raw materials, such as byproducts and production losses, are being explored as a viable solution.
A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University, the University of Florida, the University of Stavanger, Towson University, and Texas A&M University published a study providing insights into the use of byproducts and production losses in seven industrial fishing and aquaculture sectors (Norway, the United States, and Vietnam) critical for U.S. supply chains.
The Role of Fish Processing Byproducts
A promising solution lies in utilizing fish processing byproducts, such as offal, heads, tails, and skeletons. These byproducts, often discarded as waste, can be transformed into valuable FMFO. Leveraging this untapped resource can reduce pressure on wild fish populations and enhance the sustainability of the aquaculture industry.
However, there is limited knowledge about the utilization of byproducts and the barriers to their use in FMFO production.
A Comprehensive Study on Byproduct Utilization
The study, published in Marine Policy, examined the utilization of production losses and byproducts in seven key fishing and aquaculture sectors that supply the U.S. seafood market.
Researchers collected data on production and byproduct generation in sectors including farmed Atlantic salmon from Norway, U.S. farmed catfish, farmed shrimp from Vietnam, farmed pangasius from Vietnam, U.S. wild-caught Alaska pollock, U.S. pink salmon, and U.S. sockeye salmon.
The findings revealed significant variation in byproduct utilization rates across sectors, ranging from 37% to 99%. While some sectors, particularly aquaculture, demonstrated high byproduct utilization rates, others, such as wild-capture fisheries, had lower rates due to factors like short fishing seasons, small-scale operations, and regulatory constraints.
“There is tremendous potential to increase global FMFO production through byproduct utilization,” said Dr. David Love, lead author and research professor at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. “We need more efforts to align economic and policy landscapes to fully utilize byproducts because the demand exists, and we cannot afford to waste these resources.”
Key Findings
- The study population produced 5 million tons per year of aquatic food products. Of this, nearly 3 million tons (59%) were destined for human consumption, while the remaining 2 million tons (41%) were inedible or discarded as food loss. Of the byproducts available for processing, 72% were actually utilized.
- The aquaculture sector had higher processing rates (an average of 70%) compared to wild-capture fisheries (an average of 59%). Lower rates in wild-capture fisheries were attributed to short fishing seasons, operations in remote locations, the cost of building and operating extraction plants that remain idle for parts of the year, and regulations permitting the disposal of processing waste.
- Each sector in the study employed unique strategies to capture and utilize byproducts, but tailored solutions are needed to expand byproduct use for FMFO production.
The researchers also found that differences in byproduct utilization could be influenced by the scale of operations. “While our study focuses on industrial-scale sectors, it also sheds light on key policy considerations to promote greater byproduct utilization,” said Liz Nussbaumer, a co-author and project director at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. “Both industrial and small-scale fishing and aquaculture sectors must recognize the need for significant investments in FMFO production, policies to regulate these markets, and coordinated efforts to achieve sustainability.”
This study calls for prioritizing the removal of barriers to utilizing alternative raw materials for FMFO production. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that these byproducts are used rather than remaining wasted resources.
Key Factors Influencing Byproduct Utilization
Several factors impact the utilization of fish processing byproducts:
- Scale of Operations: Larger-scale operations are more likely to invest in processing infrastructure to extract value from byproducts.
- Consistency of Supply: A steady year-round supply of byproducts enables efficient processing and reduces operational costs.
- Economic Incentives: Profitability from byproduct processing, including the market value of the resulting FMFO, is a determining factor.
- Regulatory Framework: Supportive policies and regulations can encourage byproduct use by incentivizing investment, reducing entry barriers, and promoting sustainable practices.
Overcoming Barriers and Promoting Sustainable Byproduct Use
To maximize the potential of fish processing byproducts, several strategies can be implemented:
- Investment in Processing Infrastructure: Encouraging investment in modern processing facilities can enhance efficiency and profitability.
- Improved Coordination and Collaboration: Fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, such as fish processors, feed manufacturers, and policymakers, can facilitate sustainable byproduct supply chains.
- Policy Support: Government policies can play a significant role in promoting byproduct use through incentives, subsidies, and regulations supporting sustainable practices.
- Technological Innovation: Advances in processing technologies can improve the efficiency and quality of byproduct extraction.
By addressing these challenges and implementing effective strategies, the full potential of fish processing byproducts can be harnessed, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient aquaculture industry.
Conclusion
The study found that byproducts are a valuable raw material source for FMFO production, but their utilization is limited by scale and other factors. Policies and incentives are needed to encourage the development of processing plants and greater byproduct utilization.
The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to better understand barriers to byproduct and production loss utilization in FMFO production and to identify effective strategies for overcoming these barriers.
The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Contact
David C. Love
Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 21202, USA.
Email: dlove8@jhu.edu
Reference
Love, D. C., Asche, F., Fry, J., Brown, M., Nguyen, L., Garlock, T. M., Nussbaumer, E. M., Sarmiento, G. L., Tveteraas, S., & Neff, R. (2024). Fisheries and aquaculture by-products: Case studies in Norway, United States, and Vietnam. Marine Policy, 167, 106276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2024.106276
