Article
07 January 2026
Feed Ingredients
The global aquaculture industry has become one of the most important pillars of food security, supplying an ever-growing share of fish consumed worldwide. According to data from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, farmed aquatic animals accounted for approximately 51 percent of global aquatic animal production in 2022, surpassing capture fisheries for the first time. With projections indicating that aquaculture will provide well over 60 percent of fish for human consumption by 2030, the pressure on feed formulation has never been greater.
At the core of this challenge lies the need to produce feeds that are nutritionally robust, economically viable, and environmentally responsible. Fish meal, a protein-dense ingredient produced from whole fish or fish processing by-products, has historically been the backbone of aquafeed formulations. Its balanced amino acid profile, high digestibility, and strong palatability have made it indispensable for species such as shrimp, salmon, trout, and sea bass.
However, the industry is undergoing a structural shift. Rising fish meal prices, sustainability concerns related to marine resource use, and supply chain volatility driven by climate variability and fisheries management have forced nutritionists and feed manufacturers to rethink traditional inclusion practices. Today, the question is no longer whether fish meal should be used, but how to optimize its inclusion to achieve the best balance between performance, cost control, and sustainability. This article explores the science, economics, and formulation strategies behind modern fish meal use in aquafeeds.
Fish meal’s long-standing role in aquaculture nutrition is rooted in its biochemical composition. It typically contains 60 to 72 percent crude protein, with an amino acid profile that closely matches the physiological requirements of many cultured aquatic species. Essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine, and taurine are present in highly digestible forms, supporting muscle growth, metabolic efficiency, and immune function.
Beyond protein, fish meal provides long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are critical for normal development, stress tolerance, and product quality in farmed fish and shrimp. It also supplies bioavailable minerals such as phosphorus and calcium, along with vitamins including B12 and choline, contributing to skeletal development and metabolic stability.
Equally important are its functional properties. Fish meal is highly palatable, promoting consistent feed intake, especially during early life stages when feeding behavior is still developing. For larval, post-larval, and juvenile stages, even modest inclusion levels can significantly improve survival, growth uniformity, and resilience to environmental stress. As a result, fish meal functions not only as a nutrient source but also as a performance enhancer within aquafeed formulations.
Optimal fish meal inclusion varies widely depending on species, life stage, and production objectives.
Carnivorous marine species and early life stages generally benefit from higher fish meal inclusion due to their evolutionary adaptation to marine proteins. Starter feeds for salmonids and marine shrimp may contain 25 to 40 percent fish meal, with levels gradually reduced during grow-out phases as digestive capacity improves and alternative proteins are introduced.
In contrast, omnivorous species such as tilapia, carp, and catfish can perform well on diets with significantly lower fish meal inclusion, often 5 percent or less, when properly balanced with plant-based and animal-derived proteins. Numerous scientific studies demonstrate that partial, and in some cases near-total, replacement of fish meal is possible without major performance losses, provided formulations are carefully managed.
This has led to a clear industry trend: fish meal is no longer used as a default bulk protein, but rather as a strategic ingredient, deployed where its nutritional and functional advantages deliver the highest return on investment.
The rapid expansion of aquaculture has increased global demand for fish meal and fish oil, contributing to price volatility and supply constraints. These economic pressures have made inclusion optimization a necessity rather than a choice. Feed costs can account for 50 to 70 percent of total aquaculture production expenses, meaning even small formulation inefficiencies can significantly impact profitability.
Sustainability concerns further complicate the picture. While a growing share of fish meal is now produced from fish processing by-products, reducing waste and improving resource efficiency, reliance on wild forage fish continues to raise ecological questions. These species play an important role in marine food webs, prompting increased scrutiny from regulators, retailers, and consumers.
In response, certification schemes, traceability systems, and responsible sourcing initiatives have gained prominence. Feed manufacturers are increasingly expected to demonstrate not only nutritional performance but also environmental responsibility, influencing both sourcing decisions and formulation strategies.
As fish meal inclusion declines in many commercial feeds, alternative protein sources have taken on a larger role. Plant protein concentrates, animal by-product meals, insect meals, and single-cell proteins are now widely studied and increasingly adopted. Research shows that many of these ingredients can replace a portion of fish meal without compromising growth, provided digestibility and amino acid balance are addressed.
Advances in processing technologies, such as fermentation and enzymatic treatment, have improved the nutritional value of alternative proteins by reducing anti-nutritional factors. Feed additives including synthetic amino acids, enzymes like phytase, and gut health enhancers further support nutrient utilization in lower–fish meal formulations.
Modern aquafeed formulation therefore relies on integration rather than substitution, combining fish meal with complementary proteins and functional additives to maintain performance while managing cost and sustainability goals.
In an environment where precision formulation is essential, ingredient quality and supply reliability become decisive factors. Variations in fish meal quality, influenced by raw material source, processing conditions, and storage, can directly affect feed performance.
Access to detailed specifications, certificates of analysis, and consistent supply is critical for formulators aiming to fine-tune inclusion rates. Platforms such as Chemtradeasia support this process by connecting aquafeed manufacturers with verified suppliers of fish meal, alternative proteins, and functional feed additives. This integrated sourcing approach simplifies procurement, reduces formulation risk, and enables greater flexibility in response to market fluctuations.
The future of fish meal in aquaculture is defined not by elimination, but by precision use. Nutritionists increasingly view fish meal as a functional, high-impact ingredient reserved for performance-critical diets, early life stages, and species with high marine protein requirements.
Ongoing innovation in novel proteins, feed technology, and precision nutrition will further refine how fish meal is used. Insect meals, microbial proteins, and algal ingredients are gaining momentum, while improved extrusion and formulation tools enhance nutrient efficiency across all ingredients.
In this evolving landscape, success depends on the ability to adapt formulations dynamically, guided by data, sustainability metrics, and reliable ingredient access.
Mastering fish meal inclusion is a defining competency for modern aquafeed formulation. It requires balancing nutritional science, economic realities, and environmental responsibility within an increasingly complex production landscape. Fish meal remains a valuable and effective ingredient, but its role has evolved from a primary protein source to a strategic component within diversified feed systems.
By optimizing inclusion levels, integrating alternative proteins, and sourcing responsibly through trusted partners such as Chemtradeasia, aquafeed manufacturers can maintain animal performance, manage costs, and align with sustainability expectations. This strategic approach ensures that aquaculture continues to grow as a resilient, efficient, and responsible contributor to global food security.
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