Fact Check: The seafood industry needs to reduce its reliance on catching small wild fish to feed bigger farmed ones that humans eat.

Fact Check: "The seafood industry needs to reduce its reliance on catching small wild fish to feed bigger farmed ones that humans eat."

What We Know

The claim highlights a significant concern regarding the sustainability of aquaculture, particularly its reliance on wild-caught fish as feed for farmed species. According to the NOAA, aquaculture globally uses about half a metric ton of wild fish to produce one metric ton of farmed seafood, indicating that aquaculture is a net producer of fish protein. However, this statistic masks the complexity of the issue, as some carnivorous species still require substantial amounts of fishmeal and fish oil in their diets.

Research has shown that the percentage of fishmeal in the diets of farmed salmon has decreased significantly, from 70% in the 1980s to about 25% in 2017, thanks to the development of alternative feed sources (NOAA). Nevertheless, a recent study published in 2024 suggests that aquaculture may be using far more wild fish than previously estimated, with ratios of wild fish inputs to farmed fish outputs ranging from 0.36 to 1.15, and in some cases up to 307% higher than earlier figures indicated (Mother Jones, Science Daily).

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the claim is mixed. On one hand, the NOAA's findings suggest that the aquaculture industry is making strides in reducing its reliance on wild fish through the development of alternative feeds, which is a positive trend for sustainability (NOAA). This indicates that the industry is aware of the ecological implications of overfishing small wild fish and is actively working to mitigate this issue.

On the other hand, the recent studies that reveal a higher-than-expected dependence on wild fish for aquaculture raise valid concerns. These studies argue that the fish-in: fish-out (FIFO) ratio—an important metric for assessing sustainability—has not been accurately represented in previous assessments (Mother Jones, Phys.org). The discrepancies in FIFO calculations, which include factors like fish oil and bycatch, suggest that the industry's sustainability claims may be overstated. This indicates a need for more transparent reporting and a reevaluation of the ecological impacts of aquaculture.

The sources used in this analysis vary in reliability. The NOAA is a reputable government agency known for its scientific research, while studies published in peer-reviewed journals or reputable media outlets like Mother Jones and Science Daily provide valuable insights but may also carry biases depending on their funding sources or editorial slants. The claims made by these studies should be critically evaluated, especially when they challenge established narratives.

Conclusion

The claim that "the seafood industry needs to reduce its reliance on catching small wild fish to feed bigger farmed ones that humans eat" is Partially True. While there is evidence that aquaculture is reducing its reliance on wild fish through alternative feeds, recent studies indicate that the industry still uses a significant amount of wild fish, potentially more than previously reported. This highlights the ongoing need for sustainable practices and transparency in the aquaculture sector.

Sources

1. Feeds for Aquaculture
2. Limit wild fish use in aquaculture | Seafood basics
3. Aquaculture Is Using Far More Wild Fish as Feed Than ...
4. Aquaculture uses far more wild fish than previously ...
5. Study re-evaluates the wild fish required for global ...
6. Aquaculture uses far more wild fish than previously ...
7. Global North's Growing Appetite for Farmed Salmon ...
8. Fish Farming Industry is Using 'Misleading' Figures to ...