UN Fish Farm Plan Threatens Wild Fish Stocks, Report Warns 2026

The UN fish farm plan to expand aquaculture by 75% by 2040 could grind up nearly half of the world's wild fish catch to feed farmed fish, according to a new report. The analysis by Changing Markets Foundation warns that this 'blue transformation' agenda, while aiming to boost food security, would intensify pressure on overexploited fisheries and coastal communities.

Aquaculture already supplies more than half of the aquatic animals consumed globally. However, carnivorous species like salmon and shrimp are typically fed fishmeal and fish oil derived from grinding down smaller wild fish such as anchovies and sardines. This practice removes vital food from marine ecosystems, undermining the very resources the plan seeks to protect.

The Absurdity of Feeding Fish to Fish

Critics argue that grinding up wild fish to feed farmed fish is 'absurd' and unsustainable. Tara Ganesh, senior campaigner at Changing Markets Foundation, notes, 'These fish are naturally carnivorous species, so that is what they would eat in the wild. You can't suddenly raise a salmon overnight that is vegetarian.' While producers have reduced the amount of wild fish used per kilogram of farmed fish, the sheer scale of proposed expansion could negate these gains.

Key Findings of the Report

• Aquaculture expansion could require tens of millions of tonnes of wild fish annually for feed.
• Over 90% of global fisheries are already fully exploited or overexploited.
• Coastal communities that depend on wild fish for food and income face heightened risks.
• Alternatives like plant-based feeds and insect protein are underutilized.

Comparing Wild Fish Use in Aquaculture

As the table shows, not all aquaculture is equally dependent on wild fish. Promoting species with lower dependency could reduce the environmental footprint. Yet the FAO's current plan does not prioritize such shifts, focusing instead on volume growth.

Pathways to Sustainable Aquaculture

To avoid the 'absurd' outcome, experts recommend investing in alternative feed ingredients, improving feed conversion ratios, and enforcing stricter regulations on wild fish catch for feed. Consumers can also play a role by choosing sustainably farmed seafood certified by organizations like the ASC.

Moreover, integrating aquaculture with circular economy principles—such as using byproducts from fish processing—can lessen the demand for wild-caught fish. The report urges the FAO to revise its strategy to align with global biodiversity goals and ensure that aquaculture truly contributes to food security without depleting ocean resources.

FAQ

In conclusion, while aquaculture holds promise for meeting global protein needs, the current trajectory is dangerously flawed. By addressing the feed dilemma head-on, we can create a truly sustainable blue economy that feeds the world without starving our oceans.

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