As 2024 ends, a key figure in the marine ingredients arena reflects on the sector’s major developments over the year.
“This has been a year of both resilience and progress,” says Petter M Johannessen, director general of The Marine Ingredients Organisation (IFFO).
El Niño disruptions
The challenges posed by El Niño dominated the start of the year, significantly disrupting fishmeal and fish oil production in Peru from April 2023 through early 2024, he reports.
“Representing 20% of global fishmeal production, Peru experienced a 60% year-on-year decline in 2023.
“However, recovery gained momentum in 2024 as the Anchoveta fishing quotas returned to normal levels, with a 2.475 million metric ton (MT) quota for the first season and a high 2.51 million MT quota announced in November for the second fishing season in the North-Centre region.
“Despite these gains, the residual effects of earlier disruptions highlighted the need for adaptive resource management and supply chain resilience,” he tells us.
Scientific research
Throughout the year, the industry demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing scientific understanding and raising public awareness, Johannessen adds.
“Significant investments were made in open-access research, resulting in three groundbreaking peer-reviewed studies commissioned by IFFO. These studies examined the evolution of sustainability metrics, conducted a SWOT analysis of various protein sources used in aquafeeds, and explored omega 3’s contributions to aquaculture,” he explains.
The findings, he continues, illustrated the nutritional value of fishmeal and fish oil, particularly for aquaculture, while advocating for a holistic approach to assessing environmental impacts rather than relying on isolated metrics.
Tackling climate change and fishery management challenges
Heading into 2025, Johannessen notes that the marine ingredients industry’s roadmap will be shaped by two key factors: climate change and fishery management challenges in certain regions.
“The entire value chain must not only navigate these challenges but also seize emerging opportunities,” he emphasizes.
“Collaboration will be crucial, with initiatives like the Global Roundtable on Marine Ingredients serving as essential platforms to foster partnerships and drive pre-competitive projects forward.”
Traceability concerns
In 2025, traceability will continue to be a priority, ensuring compliance with international and national regulations that prohibit IUU fishing and addressing consumer demand for transparency regarding product origins, emphasizes the IFFO Director General.
“Strengthening connections with the retail sector will be crucial as the industry aligns with sourcing policies and anticipates evolving consumer expectations.”
Building resilience
Fish health will also be a key focus, he reports.
“Aquaculture accounts for 74% of global fish oil production, with 44% used in salmon farming. These marine ingredients are crucial for maintaining fish health, particularly in mitigating the effects of sea lice and high-water temperatures that increase stress and disease.
“Evidence continues to highlight the essential role of feed composition, from osmolytes to omega-3s and zinc, in supporting fish resilience,” says Johannessen.
