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
![Effective Management of Fisheries](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2001.png?itok=HmKt4EiN)
Blue Transformation is a visionary strategy put forward by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation
![Blue Transformation is a visionary strategy put forward by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2002.png?itok=U6n74088)
Fisheries management is the most effective tool to conserve and responsibly utilise resources
![Fisheries management is the most effective tool to conserve and responsibly utilise resources](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2003.png?itok=CKLilvoQ)
As a result of independently set quota systems, fishmeal and fish oil volumes stabilised at around 6 million tonnes par annum from 2000 onwards
![As a result of independently set quota systems, fishmeal and fish oil volumes stabilised at around 6 million tonnes par annum from 2000 onwards](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2004.png?itok=hZlDvshc)
Objective sustainability guidance is needed
![Objective sustainability guidance is needed](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2005.png?itok=OjWAX6rY)
Blue Transformation, core component #2: Sustainable Expansion of Aquaculture
![Sustainable Expansion of Aquaculture](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2001_0.png?itok=IVHkyGdT)
With aquaculture growing, more feed materials are needed
![With aquaculture growing, more feed materials are needed](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2003_0.png?itok=eE2i7Y54)
Expanding Aquaculture requires a diversification of the feed ingredients basket to meet the requested volumes
![Expanding Aquaculture requires a diversification of the feed ingredients basket to meet the requested volumes](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2004_0.png?itok=qDWViQGb)
But feed intake must be ensured as it is the first hurdle in feeding farmed fish and depends on the palatability of the feed
![But feed intake must be ensured as it is the first hurdle in feeding farmed fish and depends on the palatability of the feed](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2005_0.png?itok=oMceWPQ9)
Fishmeal's nutrients have palatability benefits which are indispensable in the fish's first weeks
![Fishmeal's nutrients have palatability benefits which are indispensable in the fish's first weeks](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2006.png?itok=I7_eFOgC)
Fishmeal and fish oil's nutrients have a decisive role in the fish's growth
![Fishmeal and fish oil's nutrients have a decisive role in the fish's growth](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2007.png?itok=sbSsm658)
Those nutrients minimise the risks of deadly disease through EPA and DHA inclusion
![Those nutrients minimise the risks of deadly disease through EPA and DHA inclusion](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2008.png?itok=maEZ41v0)
Substitution of fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeeds by terrestrial plants in the 2000s has increased the environmental footprint
![Substitution of fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeeds by terrestrial plants in the 2000s has increased the environmental footprint](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2009.png?itok=r4bcX3R5)
Blue Transformation, core component #3: Improved value chains and ensured nutrition
![Substitution of fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeeds by terrestrial plants in the 2000s has increased the environmental footprint](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2001_1.png?itok=GUfB0EW2)
Fishmeal and fish oil are indirect food for humans
![Fishmeal and fish oil are indirect food for humans](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2003_1.png?itok=WJwnHwI0)
Viable infrastructure enables better retention of valuable nutrients within food systems
![Viable infrastructure enables better retention of valuable nutrients within food systems](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2004_1.png?itok=ed9giVcN)
Improved value chains facilitate the use of fish by-products in the manufacturing of fishmeal and fish oil
![Improved value chains facilitate the use of fish by-products in the manufacturing of fishmeal and fish oil](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2005_1.png?itok=CZr9OtoY)
There is some prospect for increasing marine ingredient production
![](/sites/iffo/files/styles/article_full/public/IFFO%20-%20SummerCampaign%202024%20-%2006_0.png?itok=TmM7pIXR)