World’s fishmeal production up by 55% in Jan, Feb

The larger production of fishmeal in Peru due to the late start of the second fishing season

The world’s fishmeal production in the first two months of this year increased by 55 per cent from the same period of last year, according to the latest report from the Marine Ingredients Organisation (IFFO).

IFFO reports that overall marine raw material used was about 15 per cent higher in February 2023 compared with the same month last year. This was due to better catches in all the regions, bar Spain and the Icelandic and North Atlantic area.

The larger production of fishmeal in Peru due to the late start of the second fishing season in the North-centre area of the country was the main driver, but most regions have started the year with improved availability of raw material.

As for fish oil, total cumulative output in the first 2 months of 2023 was 20 per cent down year-on-year, mainly driven by the drop in production reported in the Icelandic and North Atlantic area.

Peru’s second fishing season in the North-Centre region was officially closed on February 5, with 84 per cent of the 2.283 million tonne quota landed. No catches are being reported in Peru at the moment; the industry is expecting the government to shortly conclude the evaluation of the Peruvian Institute for Marine Studies (IMARPE)’s report on the status of the anchovy biomass; official announcements on the quota and the starting date of the next fishing season in the North-centre of the country could come soon.

China’s marine ingredients and aquafeed production remain subdued. Little time is left before the new fishing ban along the Chinese coastline will be re-imposed on May 1. By-products from processed fish destined to direct human consumption are getting more important as a source of raw material for reduction, together with imports of marine ingredients.

Aquafeed production in the first months of 2023 has remained subdued, partly because of the seasonal activity slowdown in both the aquaculture and pig farming sector, partly because of the Covid wave that hit the country and the long holiday breaks. Aquafarming activities have so far remained confined to some areas of Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan provinces. It is expected that the sector will reactivate when temperatures rise in April-May.

The larger production of fishmeal in Peru