What is World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) stance on the use of wild fish in aquaculture feed?
WWF wants the aquaculture industry to be a net producer of fish protein for human consumption. One way to do so is for the industry to remain diverse and continue to produce a range of species, including those that do not require feeding. When producing species that require feed, a method to reduce the use of small wild fish (e.g. , anchoveta) is using waste from processed wild fish in aquaculture feed. This prevents that waste and nutrients from being dumped in the ocean or a landfill as trash. Using this byproduct can help offset the demand for small wild fish. Also, WWF believes that, as primary users of fishmeal and fish oil, the aquaculture industry should help ensure that the fisheries that supply the fish for these products are sustainable. Last, WWF thinks there should be incentives for producers to use waste from processed wild fish in aquaculture feed.
