Replacing fish-based feed with algae-based feed in aquaculture

This report contributes to the implementation of Action 7 of the EU Algae Initiative by providing guidance on replacing fish-based feed with algae-based alternatives in aquaculture. The sector currently depends heavily on wild-caught forage fish to produce fishmeal and fish oil for carnivorous species such as salmon, trout, and seabass, a reliance that is increasingly unsustainable given aquaculture’s rapid growth and ongoing pressure on marine ecosystems. 

Algal oil emerges as a promising substitute, offering high and stable levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), lower contamination risks, and more predictable pricing through controlled production, with early commercial adoption by major producers and positive consumer responses already evident. Nevertheless, significant barriers remain, including higher costs relative to fish oil, limited production capacity, and uncertainties around large-scale sustainability. 

Addressing these challenges through targeted financial instruments to drive technological improvements and economies of scale, alongside regulatory measures such as stricter contaminant standards, will be essential to accelerate market uptake and support the transition to more sustainable aquaculture feed systems.