Experts Propose New Aquaculture Feed Sustainability Model
A new assessment framework aims to better track the carbon and water footprint of feed as industry production reaches new highs.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Organic Food
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Industry experts have introduced a comprehensive lifecycle assessment framework to evaluate the environmental impact of aquaculture feed. This proposal aims to better track sustainability as plant-based ingredients continue to replace marine sources in global fish farming.
Why it matters
Current sustainability metrics often rely on narrow indicators like the fish-in-fish-out ratio, which can mask the environmental costs of substituting ingredients. A more holistic framework is needed to accurately account for the rising carbon and water footprints associated with modern feed production.
Researchers compiled 370 unique datasets on European aquafeed production to analyze changes in energy use and resource yields between 2000 and 2020. While these production footprints have risen significantly, the broader ecological consequences of current feed shifts remain under study.
The players
IFFO
An international trade organization representing the marine ingredients industry that advocates for responsible supply chain standards.
Cargill
A global food and agricultural corporation that produces animal nutrition products and feed solutions.
The details
The proposed framework evaluates ingredients across five distinct stages, including raw material sourcing, transportation, and processing. By examining these factors collectively, the model captures environmental impacts that are often overlooked when focusing solely on the ratio of wild-caught fish used in feed. As plant-based products now account for nearly 75 percent of feed composition, this multi-stage approach helps identify unintended consequences of shifting agricultural dependencies.
Timeline
Between 2000 and 2020, European aquaculture production more than doubled.
The IFFO Annual Conference was held in Buenos Aires from 19 to 21 October 2026.
Health Landscape
This proposal marks a shift in how the aquaculture industry measures sustainability, moving away from single-metric models to complex lifecycle assessments. It reflects an ongoing effort to reconcile rapid production growth with the environmental impacts of sourcing feed ingredients.
While this framework focuses on industry production, understanding how fish feed is sourced can inform personal choices about the environmental sustainability of your seafood. Consider discussing the sourcing practices of your preferred seafood brands with a grocer or supplier to understand their transparency.
The takeaway
The environmental footprint of fish feed has risen sharply as the industry scaled to meet global demand. Track reports from seafood sustainability programs to stay informed about how changes in farming practices may impact the long-term environmental viability of your dietary choices.
Further reading
Learn more about sustainable farming practices and sourcing standards in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Seafoodsource.
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