A recent study sheds light on an insect solution to the growing demand for pelagic fish in aquaculture production.
Conducted by the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Texas State University, the study reveals promising findings that could revolutionize the insect feed industry.
The research found that by integrating black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) into the diets of aquaculture species such as the following, significant quantities of pelagic fish could be spared from ocean catch:
- Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
- Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
The study showed that at the highest level of dietary replacement of fishmeal and/or fish oil by BSFL, 40,843 MT of pelagic fish could be avoided from ocean catch.
Consequences of pelagic fish decline
The demand for pelagic fish, primarily sourced from ocean catch, has surged with the growth of the aquaculture industry.
Currently, a substantial portion of fishmeal and fish oil used in aquaculture comes from catching pelagic fish in the ocean, leading to environmental degradation and economic strain.
Moreover, the carbon footprint associated with using fishmeal and fish oil is significantly higher compared to dried BSFL further exacerbating environmental concerns.
Additionally, declining pelagic fish populations contribute to climate change by reducing their ability to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The role of black soldier fly in sustainable aquaculture
The BSFL is a promising alternative that offers a multifaceted solution to these pressing issues.
BSFL possesses the ability to convert organic waste into biomass, reducing the need for natural resource inputs and contributing to waste valorization.
Moreover, previous research indicates that BSFL can replace fish meal and/or fish oil in aquaculture diets without compromising growth or efficiency.
By integrating BSFL into aquaculture diets, the study suggests a path towards sustainability in aquaculture production.
Not only does this approach spare pelagic fish from ocean catch, but it also addresses environmental, economic, and social challenges associated with conventional feeds.
BSFL could significantly reduce the demand for pelagic fish
The integration of black soldier fly larvae in aquaculture represents a promising step towards a more sustainable future.
With further research and implementation, BSFL could significantly reduce the demand for pelagic fish, mitigate environmental impacts, and foster economic resilience within the aquaculture industry.
Innovative solutions with BSFL continue to drive positive change in the global food system.
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Reference
Moore, E., Liu, X. and Drewery, M. L. (2024). Pelagic fish spared from ocean catch by integrating Black Soldier Fly Larvae in U.S. aquaculture production. Front. Sustain. Food Syst., 8:1297414. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2024.1297414
