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Bio-based circular solutions

Obtaining food security, improved nutrition and energy efficiency via fishmeal and fish oil

Making full use of the ocean´s resources: increased use of by-products.

The demand for food will grow dramatically by the middle of this century. How can we meet this demand with the lowest impact on the planet?
The answer could be hidden in the depths of the ocean.

In 2015, global aquaculture production reached 106 million tonnes, achieving an average annual growth rate of 6.6 per cent since 1995. This positive trend is projected to continue; consequently, the aquaculture sector is expected to play a significantly greater role in contributing to food security and economic development in fishing communities. Marine ingredients are needed to produce healthy fish rich in omega 3. Access to fishmeal and fish oil is therefore essential for further development in global aquaculture production.

More than 30 per cent of contemporary  global fishmeal and fish oil production is  based on offcuts from fish that is processed for human consumption. In the process of filleting, up to 60 per cent of the fresh fish  can be discarded as waste. These by-products contain valuable fish protein and oils, and when used for fishmeal and fish oil, full use is made of the natural resources. The industry thus adds value to this otherwise unused raw material and provides a conduit to transport nutrients from the ocean to the human food chain.

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Health benefits

Fishmeal and fish oil provide all essential amino acids, minerals, phospholipids and omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) and bring those into the human diet. EPA and DHA are central components in all cell membranes – particularly important for the development of the brain and vision early in life. EPA and DHA contributes to the function of the heart, blood system and immune system.

  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Reduces risk of cardiac attack
  • Reduces inflammation and formation of blood clots

Furthermore, marine fish are also reliant on marine omega 3 fatty acids to varying degrees and fishmeal and fish oil are by far the most valuable ingredients in diets for aquaculture and many land-farmed animals. The composition of micronutrients in fishmeal, including amino acids, vitamins
and minerals, support growth and optimal physiological function of animals and farmed fish. This makes fishmeal and fish oil indispensable feed ingredients.

Energy efficiency

Production of fishmeal and fish oil requires energy. A dedicated effort by the industry has reduced energy consumption effectively. At the same time,  surplus heat from the production is efficiently transferred to local heating systems. In Skagen, at the very northern tip of Denmark, the local fishmeal
factory provides approximately 25 per cent of the community´s heating, saving the local community considerable cost and making best use of resources.

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