Aquaculture groups release common requirements for fishmeal sourcing

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) and GlobalG.A.P. have announced the creation of common requirements for the sourcing of fishmeal and fish oil for farmed fish diets. This move to harmonize feed requirements between certification schemes is another step in helping aquaculture buyers seek responsibly sourced products, according to IFFO (the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organization).
In the official joint statement by the three standard-setting organizations, they state that by setting common criteria "This will better promote the responsible sourcing of [fishmeal and fish oil], for the benefit of the environment and the future sustainability of the fisheries and other [fishmeal and fish oil]-sources utilized by the aqua feed and livestock feed sectors.'' The common requirements are:

• Traceability to species and country of origin
• No endangered species used for fishmeal or fish oil
• Preference for feed manufacturers with evidence of responsible sourcing
• Avoidance of IUU
Each group continues to have its own additional requirements.