The Danish fishmeal and fish oil industry plays a crucial role in sustainable marine resource management, ensuring low environmental impact while contributing to global food security. Industrial fishing in Denmark primarily targets pelagic species such as blue whiting and sprat, which swim freely in the water column. This method of fishing does not impact the seabed and has a significantly lower environmental and climate footprint compared to other fishing and food production practices.

The industrial fishery sector is vital not only for Danish fishers but also for the entire blue value chain. Since 2013, its first-sale value has ranged between 500 and 900 million DKK annually. In 2023, it reached a record high, accounting for one-third of the total value of Danish fisheries—exceeding 1 billion DKK. While industrial fish are not directly consumed, they are processed into fishmeal and fish oil, essential marine ingredients primarily used in aquaculture feed. Danish fishmeal and fish oil are renowned for their sustainability and traceability, providing high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids critical for aquaculture production.

A significant portion of raw materials for fishmeal and fish oil production comes from side streams and by-products from the human consumption industry. More than 25% of raw materials originate from fish trimmings and residuals, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy. Additionally, the processing of fishmeal and fish oil has a remarkably low carbon footprint. According to GFLI database data from July 2019, Danish producers emit only 1.2 kg and 1.3 kg of CO2 per kg of fishmeal and fish oil, respectively. This is significantly lower than alternative ingredients like soybean meal and soybean oil, which emit 4 kg and 5.1 kg of CO2 per kg, respectively. Similarly, rapeseed meal and rapeseed oil emit 1.2 kg and 2.1 kg of CO2 per kg, respectively.

Aquaculture, recognized for its lower environmental footprint compared to many terrestrial food production systems, is endorsed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a key sector for meeting the growing global protein demand. Independent evaluations, such as the Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index, consistently rank aquaculture companies among the top performers in sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and social responsibility. In 2023, aquaculture surpassed land-based protein producers in sustainability and environmental impact, excelling in areas such as deforestation, water use, and climate impact.

Fishmeal and fish oil act as essential components in the blue value chain, linking fisheries to sustainable food production. Sustainable fishing practices are crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which focuses on conserving marine resources and preventing overfishing. The adoption of certifications and standards helps advance environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Fishing and fish processing industries contribute to economic growth (SDG 8), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and improved nutrition and food security (SDG 2).

Furthermore, Danish fishmeal and fish oil producers drive innovation in resource utilization. As global aquaculture production increases to meet the demands of a growing population, marine ingredients remain vital for producing healthy, omega-3-rich fish. Currently, around 30% of Danish fishmeal and fish oil production derives from by-products of fish processed for human consumption. During filleting, up to 60% of fish biomass can be discarded as waste, yet these remnants contain valuable nutrients that can be transformed into high-quality feed ingredients.

By utilizing these by-products, the industry maximizes resource efficiency and minimizes waste, reinforcing the circular economy. Fishmeal and fish oil production also contribute essential micronutrients, including amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, that support the optimal growth and health of farmed fish and animals.

Read also more about the strategic role of marine ingredients in our fact sheet here: Strategic Value.

Low Climate Footprint

Plant proteins and oils now dominate compound feed to farmed fish, a trend that is likely to continue, but their production brings environmental challenges such as land use, deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

Marine ingredients are essential for both nutrition and climate-conscious compound feed. Their unique nutritional profile reduces the need for land-intensive ingredients and lowers the greenhouse gas emissions of feed formulations.

The graph below shows the CO₂-equivalent emissions per tonne of Danish fishmeal and fish oil, based on recent industry-supplied LCA data in 2024. The dataset reflects actual production in Denmark and is being prepared for inclusion in the GFLI database to support more accurate environmental benchmarking in feed formulations.

The production of fishmeal and fish oil contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

In the summer of 2018, State of Green released the report “Producing More with Less,” in which various Danish production companies and organizations outlined initiatives and technologies aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As of 2023, the insights and advancements presented in the report continue to play a pivotal role in addressing global sustainability challenges and promoting responsible industrial practices.

Find the report under our publications or read the passage here.