In a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances, researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have unveiled the first comprehensive global map charting the spatial distribution of fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) factories. This meticulous effort highlights 506 such facilities scattered across 63 nations, revealing critical insights into an industry that forms the backbone of aquaculture feed production worldwide. With nations like Peru, Mauritania, and Chile emerging as prominent producers, the study elucidates not only where FMFO manufacturing is concentrated but also brings into focus the environmental, social, and economic implications tied to this essential sector.
Fishmeal and fish oil are indispensable components in aquaculture, making them pivotal to the growing farming of species such as salmon. As wild fish stocks dwindle globally, aquaculture becomes an increasingly crucial avenue to meet the burgeoning seafood demand. However, the production of FMFO remains a double-edged sword. While it supports aquaculture growth, much of the raw material input depends heavily on wild-caught small pelagic fish species like anchovies and sardines, which are vital to marine food webs and human nutrition, especially in vulnerable coastal communities in West Africa and Southeast Asia. This paradox underscores the urgency of understanding the precise distribution and operations of FMFO factories.
The researchers employed an integrative methodology combining satellite imagery analysis, cross-referencing national databases, company disclosures, and industry certifications to verify factory locations globally. This robust approach addresses decades-long gaps in transparency surrounding FMFO production facilities. Factories were color-coded in the study’s spatial mapping to distinguish verified sites from those compiled through secondary data, permitting clearer assessments of geographical densities and production scales.
Peru tops the list with an astonishing 125 fishmeal and fish oil plants, constituting nearly a quarter of global factory count. Mauritania follows with 42 factories, a number that has been linked to ecological stressors such as local fish depletion and subsequent price hikes impacting regional food security. Intriguingly, countries like Norway and Denmark, despite fewer facility numbers, maintain high FMFO output due to technological advancements and economies of scale, challenging conventional assumptions that factory counts directly reflect production volumes.
One of the study’s pivotal revelations pertains to the ownership landscape. Over 400 companies operate these facilities, many of which are embedded within regions already grappling with overfishing and environmental degradation. This concentration raises complex questions about fisheries governance, sustainability, and socio-economic equity. The implication is clear: the FMFO industry does not function in isolation but is deeply intertwined with localized fishery pressures and global seafood supply chains.
The researchers stress that reliance on whole wild-caught fish for nearly 40% of FMFO production remains an area of concern. Such dependence exacerbates fishing pressures on small pelagic species that serve as crucial forage fish sustaining higher trophic levels, including commercially and ecologically valuable species. The depletion of these populations risks destabilizing marine ecosystems and undermines food security for coastal populations dependent on these fish for nutrition and livelihoods.
The study also exposes significant data opacity challenges, particularly concerning China, a significant player in FMFO production. The lack of publicly available data, combined with language barriers and minimal online presence of Chinese producers, restricts comprehensive global assessments. This opacity hampers progress towards transparency and sustainable management, signaling the need for improved reporting protocols and international cooperation.
Lead author Lauren Shea emphasized the transformative potential of enhanced transparency in FMFO sourcing. By integrating satellite verification with industry and government records, the study lays foundational work for systematic monitoring of environmental and social impacts associated with FMFO production. The researchers advocate for incorporating this database into broader regulatory frameworks and sustainability initiatives, which could incentivize responsible sourcing practices and support innovations like plant-based or novel protein alternatives to reduce fishing pressure.
Senior author Dr. Rashid Sumaila highlighted the intricate balance between environmental sustainability and social justice inherent to the FMFO industry. Viewing fishmeal production solely through an ecological lens obscures the critical nexus of food security, equity, and community welfare. He underscored that effective change hinges not only on scientific advancements but also on political will, corporate responsibility, and grassroots engagement, which collectively shape the trajectory of aquaculture’s sustainability.
Furthermore, the team pointed to the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) as an exemplary model for fostering accountability, with Mauritania’s public factory lists cited as a leading case of governmental openness. Such transparency initiatives are instrumental in demystifying the supply chains and empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions in managing fishery resources responsibly.
The dataset and findings resonate beyond academia, promising to influence policy, industry practices, and consumer awareness globally. By illuminating the previously obscured geography and dynamics of fishmeal and fish oil production, this research provides a vital tool in the quest to reconcile the demands of seafood production with the imperatives of conservation and social equity.
In conclusion, the UBC-led study represents a significant stride toward unraveling the complexities of the FMFO industry. It underscores that achieving sustainability within aquaculture requires holistic strategies informed by reliable data, multi-sector collaboration, and a commitment to ethical sourcing. As global seafood demands escalate amidst declining wild stocks, the path to resilient and equitable food systems will depend fundamentally on transparent and accountable fishmeal production practices worldwide.
Subject of Research: Animals
Article Title: Spatial distribution of fishmeal and fish oil factories around the globe
News Publication Date: 23-Apr-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr6921
Image Credits: Lauren Shea
Keywords: Aquaculture, Industrial production, Marine fishes, Databases, Food production, Fisheries, Mariculture
