In 2020, government investigators in Goa, India, visited United Marine Products to investigate its wastewater disposal methods. Local complaints about air and water pollution led to the discovery of illegal drilling for wastewater disposal behind the factory. This action contaminated groundwater and affected the health of villagers and livestock. The plant owner denied any wrongdoing.
The factory in India supplied Skretting, a major feed producer used by numerous fish farms in Canada. The fish meal produced by United Marine Products could potentially be part of the feed for salmon and trout sold in Canadian stores.
A five-year investigation by The Outlaw Ocean Project revealed various hidden costs associated with producing feed, including loss of artisanal fishing jobs, chemical exposure, worker fatalities, and protests due to the unpleasant odors from fish meal factories. These impacts disproportionately affect poorer countries where the feed ingredients are sourced and processed.
Canada’s popular farmed seafood like salmon, shrimp, trout, sea bass, and sea bream rely on fish meal made from wild fish, contributing to ocean depletion. The industry must account for the true impact of aquaculture starting from the feed production stage, offering a different perspective than what the industry portrays.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reported that over half of global seafood consumption since 2022 comes from fish farms rather than wild catch. The aquaculture industry, valued at $444 billion, heavily relies on fish meal and fish oil derived from wild fish.
Canada’s fish farms predominantly use fish meal sourced from abroad, tying Canadian consumers to the social and environmental costs associated with its production. Despite efforts to reduce fish meal reliance, the demand for it has increased due to the growth of aquaculture.
The Outlaw Ocean Project’s investigation on fish meal production globally uncovered issues of food insecurity, environmental damage, and labor exploitation. The industry’s lack of transparency and compliance with accountability standards raises concerns about overfishing and unsustainable practices.
The fish meal industry claims to be improving sustainability by diversifying feed ingredients and reducing fish meal usage. However, challenges persist, including environmental impacts, social unrest, and unethical practices in fish meal production.
Skretting, a key player in the aquaculture industry, has initiated investigations into allegations of breaches in its supply chain. Canadian companies linked to fish meal production have faced criticism for pollution and unsustainable practices, highlighting the need for greater accountability and ethical sourcing in the seafood industry.
