Welfare Science

Aquaculture Feed Welfare and Fishmeal

The welfare implications of using wild-caught fish for aquaculture feed, and alternatives including plant protein and insect meal.

Key Facts

Aquaculture feeds have historically relied heavily on wild-caught fish for protein
A single kilogram of salmon requires several kilograms of feed fish
Feed fish including anchovies and sand eels are caught in vast quantities annually
Plant-based and insect protein are increasingly substituting fishmeal in aquaculture diets
Reducing fishmeal use in feeds could substantially reduce total fish welfare impacts

Welfare Considerations

The fish caught to feed farmed fish represent a hidden welfare cost of aquaculture. Billions of sentient fish are caught annually for feed production. Transitioning to plant and insect protein reduces this welfare burden while also addressing sustainability concerns.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture certification schemes that incentivize reduced fishmeal content
Advocate for investment in alternative protein research for aquaculture feeds
Choose farmed seafood from operations with low or no fishmeal feed requirements