The path to sustainable aquaculture goes beyond finding alternative ingredients to fishmeal and fish oil. As many experts point out, it is also important to have processing technologies that improve the digestibility and nutritional value of raw materials. In addition, these raw materials must ensure food safety and comply with regulations, as well as have positive impacts on the health and welfare of fish.
New ingredients must be aligned with new approaches to aquaculture production, such as Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems and circular production systems, which are showing great potential to reduce the carbon footprint of the activity.
All of this requires a rigorous evaluation of ingredients with a holistic approach.
Microalgae, insects, and single-cell proteins, among other novel ingredients, individually form part of the solution but are not the solution, as each faces specific limitations, such as high production costs or deficiencies in certain essential ingredients. Success will lie in the strategic combination of ingredients that leverage the strengths of each to formulate balanced and sustainable feeds.
In short, the path to a more sustainable future for aquaculture involves developing a multifaceted approach to ingredients, combining technological innovations and integrated production models to address the complex challenges facing the sector.
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