FAO’s work on aquatic food systems for the period 2022–2030 is outlined in its Blue Transformation roadmap, built on three core components:
- Effective management of all fisheries delivers healthy stocks and secures equitable livelihoods
- Sustainable aquaculture intensification and expansion satisfies global demand for aquatic food and distributes benefits equitably.
- Upgraded value chains ensure the social, economic and environmental viability of aquatic food systems.
Blue Transformation, core component #1: Effective Management of Fisheries
Blue Transformation is a visionary strategy put forward by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation
Fisheries management is the most effective tool to conserve and responsibly utilise resources
As a result of independently set quota systems, fishmeal and fish oil volumes stabilised at around 6 million tonnes par annum from 2000 onwards
Objective sustainability guidance is needed
Blue Transformation, core component #2: Sustainable Expansion of Aquaculture
With aquaculture growing, more feed materials are needed
Expanding Aquaculture requires a diversification of the feed ingredients basket to meet the requested volumes
But feed intake must be ensured as it is the first hurdle in feeding farmed fish and depends on the palatability of the feed
Fishmeal's nutrients have palatability benefits which are indispensable in the fish's first weeks
Fishmeal and fish oil's nutrients have a decisive role in the fish's growth
Those nutrients minimise the risks of deadly disease through EPA and DHA inclusion
Substitution of fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeeds by terrestrial plants in the 2000s has increased the environmental footprint
Blue Transformation, core component #3: Improved value chains and ensured nutrition
Fishmeal and fish oil are indirect food for humans
Viable infrastructure enables better retention of valuable nutrients within food systems
Improved value chains facilitate the use of fish by-products in the manufacturing of fishmeal and fish oil
There is some prospect for increasing marine ingredient production
