Expansion in aquaculture and agriculture production will be stable if the supply of fishmeal and fish oil can be sustained, according to the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO).

"In 1960, 98.5% of fishmeal was used in pig and poultry feeds," says Dr Andrew Jackson, technical director of IFFO. "At the time, pig and poultry producers were concerned they would not be able to increase livestock production without new sources of fishmeal. As we all know, in the past 50 years pig and poultry production has increased enormously.

"We will see a similar transformation in aquaculture, though marine raw materials will continue to make an important contribution. That is why we are working to ensure the supply is sustainable through the application of effective regulation and strict sourcing criteria," he adds.

In October 2009, in cooperation with fishmeal producers, feed companies, fish farmers, fish traders, the Global Aquaculture Alliance, the Marine Conservation Society and WWF Scotland, IFFO introduced its Global Standard for Responsible Supply which covers two critical areas: responsible fish sourcing for fishmeal and oil production and the purity and safety of these products.

"The reduction in levels of fishmeal and fish oil needed for fish feed and the increasing volume of fishmeal coming from by-products of fish processing are both important research developments," Jackson explains.