We see in general that fed aquaculture species are showing a reduction in the FIFO calculation. These data are presented below, alongside the figures calculated for 2000, and 2010. salmonids use more fish oil, shrimps use more fishmeal). The species groups are sorted against fishmeal and fish oil use, in order to allow for differences in inclusion rates in the feeds of different groups (e.g. A conversion factor is then applied to the raw material figures to account for the byproduct volume used in production, reflecting the reality in the sector. These figures are extrapolated to whole fish equivalents for raw material, based on the yield figures.

A correction for fishmeal and fish oil volumes assuming marine ingredients operate within a global industry where the redirection of products to meet market needs occurs (removes the risk of double-counting).įor individual species groups, the total amounts of fishmeal and fish oil are calculated based on the required feed volumes, in turn based on FCR estimates.

Application of industry-wide feed inclusion levels for fishmeal and fish oil, feed conversion rates (FCR), and regional proportional fed volumes estimates based on expert opinion.

Estimates for industry use of byproduct in fishmeal and fish oil production are applied (currently at 33%).

Standard yield figures for fishmeal (22.5%) and fish oil (4.8%) applied across all raw materials in production.

Use of FAO production data to provide estimates for aquaculture production tonnages by species groups.

The way that IFFO calculates FIFO ratios is based on the following:

Declining FIFOs reflect the use of fishmeal and fish oil as strategic ingredients at key points in aquaculture production cycles with a trend towards optimising their nutritional contributions.įIFOs (Fish In:Fish Out ratios) have been examined over time as a way to look at the performance of aquaculture in relation to the wild fish that are utilised in feed. Although there are some issues with the applicability of the concept, FIFO is still regarded by some as a benchmark of progress by the sector in relation to its environmental performance. With this in mind, IFFO has updated the FIFO estimates using the data we have available for 2015, following the same protocol that was applied to determine the FIFO figures for 20.

every kilogram of wild fish supports the production of 4.55kg of farmed fish)

FIFO (Fish in: Fish out) for the conversion of wild feed fish to farmed salmon is 1:1.22 (2015 ratio), showing that farmed salmon now produce globally more consumable protein than is used in feed.

In summary the key points on IFFO's calculations of FIFO ratios (2015) are:

Feed and grow fish all fish