Over the last decades, we saw a trend towards the general reduction of fishmeal levels in aquafeeds. This was achieved by a gradual replacement of fishmeal by vegetable proteins and by the use of processed animal proteins from land animal by-products. Soybean meal has been used as a major alternative to fishmeal. However, in Europe and some other markets, this is largely imported from other continents which brings carbon footprint concerns, along with other sustainability issues such as land use and deforestation.

Alternative protein sources that are currently being assessed include single-cell proteins (from microorganisms such as microalgae, bacteria, fungi, or yeasts), and insect meals.  Vegetable oils, and algal oils (rich in DHA and/or EPA), are increasingly being used instead of fish oil.

This is further detailed in the video below: