News

Addressing concerns of overfishing in the Baltic herring supply chain: toward enhanced technical transparency

2023.6.12

In response to public concerns that have emerged regarding the Baltic herring supply chain, representatives from leading fishmeal producers FFSkagen and TripleNine Group are actively working to provide clear and specific information to address these apprehensions. The aim of this article is to delve into the technical intricacies of the supply chain, to remove ambiguity and promote transparency in every aspect.

Recognizing the need for accurate information, we want to assure stakeholders that our commitment to sustainable and judicious resource management remains unwavering. Contrary to misconceptions, the fishmeal and oil production industry adheres to stringent regulations and responsible practices. One crucial aspect to consider is the complexity of the supply chain itself. Fishmeal production involves a meticulous process that is tailored to meet individual customer specifications. Each batch of fishmeal is customized, ensuring the highest quality and meeting the unique requirements of the customer. This customization extends to multiple specifications for the same customer, further illustrating the complexity of these operations.

It is important to note that fishmeal from the Baltic Sea is widely recognized as a high-quality product. However, the factories must contend with potential contaminants such as dioxin and PFAS that have been found in the Baltic. Under normal circumstances in a sustainability perspective, prioritizing the inclusion of a product in the human food supply chain rather than the feed supply chain is considered more judicious. Due to the generalized conditions of the Baltic Sea mentioned above, fish sourced specifically for fishmeal and fish oil production are not deemed safe for large-scale human consumption. To ensure consumer safety of the feed product, rigorous testing and quality control measures are implemented to safeguard against elevated levels of these substances, this includes the removal of dioxin which is not possible to perform on a food grade product without intensive processing. This method has been utilized by the fishmeal sector for a number of years and has contributed to the active removal of dioxins we see in the Baltic sea today, since removed dioxins are sent for destruction. These precautions reflect our commitment to delivering safe and reliable products to the market.

Addressing the interest surrounding the percentage of raw materials produced from the Baltic Sea that ultimately are designated toward Norwegian salmon feed, there are some technical challenges in providing a precise figure due to the customized nature of fishmeal production. Rather than providing potentially misleading information, the fishmeal producers offer a broader understanding of where fishmeal utilizing Baltic Sea raw materials is generally employed. That is by analyzing the quantity of fishmeal produced from the raw materials received. By comparing this data against established quotas and catches, one can objectively assess the actual volume of Baltic fish harvested for fishmeal production. In this regard, MID have generated a dataset that highlights the contribution of Baltic sprat and herring to Danish fishmeal production. This dataset, certified by Marin Trust or MSC, demonstrates our commitment to transparency and provides a tangible reference point for further analysis.

It is important to emphasize that the quantity of fishmeal utilized in feeds can vary due to a range of factors, including species, life stage, and specific customer requirements. This variability underscores the dynamic nature of the industry and the need for careful evaluation on a case-by-case basis.

While we acknowledge the limitations in differentiating sales to specific aquaculture or agriculture customers within Europe, we remain open to further discussions and collaborations aimed at enhancing transparency in the Baltic herring supply chain. We believe that through open dialogue, cooperation, and shared goals, we can collectively work towards greater transparency and responsible resource management in this vital industry