Unstable supply and future shortages of wild forage fish heighten risks to global fed aquaculture production

Abstract

Paper summary generated by OpenAI: This study investigates the implications of unstable supply and potential shortages of wild forage fish on global fed aquaculture production. Utilizing a shortfall impact model, the research reveals that fisheries management and climate change could lead to a 4.5% to 19.4% decrease in forage fish catches, subsequently causing an 8% to 35.2% decline in aquaculture output, particularly affecting countries that cultivate carnivorous species. The findings underscore the urgent need for alternative feed ingredients, estimating a requirement of 1.8 million tonnes annually to maintain production levels, thereby highlighting the necessity for innovative and cost-effective solutions in aquaculture feed strategies.