Competition Between Catch of Forage Fish for Fishmeal and Human Consumption

Project Overview:
Albert Tacon (Aquatic Farms Ltd., HI, USA)
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, about 34 percent of the total global reported fisheries catch (mainly small pelagic forage fish species) is not consumed directly by humans, but rather processed into fish meal and fish oil for use in animal feeds and aquaculture. This project assesses the competition between catch of small forage fish for direct human consumption and for reduction into fishmeal and fish oil for use as aquaculture and agriculture feed.
Lenfest Summaries:
Fact Sheets
application/pdf iconLenfest fact sheet
September, 2009
Publications and Reports:
Published Papers

Tacon, A.G.J. and M. Metian. 2009. Fishing for Feed or Fishing for Food: Increasing Global Competition for Small Pelagic Forage Fish. Ambio 38(6):294-302.

application/pdf iconAmbio paper
September, 2009

Tacon, A.G.J. and M. Metian. 2008. Global overview on the use of fish meal and fish oil in industrially compounded aquafeeds: Trends and future prospects. Aquaculture 285(1-4): 146-158.

Aquaculture paper (subscription needed)
December, 2008

Tacon, A.G.J. and M. Metian. 2009. Fishing for Aquaculture: Non-Food Use of Small Pelagic Forage Fish-A Global Perspective. Reviews in Fisheries Science 17(3): 305-317.

Reviews in Fisheries Science paper (subscription)
January, 2009

Tacon, A.G.J., M. Metian, et al. 2010. Responsible Aquaculture and Trophic Level Implications to Global Fish Supply. Reviews in Fisheries Science 18(1): 94 - 105.

Reviews in Fisheries Science paper (subscription needed)
January, 2010