Global Aquaculture: Feed, Equipment, & Chemicals

Improved Aquafeeds, Equipment, Chemicals Key to Expanding Aquaculture Production

Gains will outpace those in aquaculture production as efforts to intensify fish farm production will lead to increased spending on aquaculture inputs. Improved aquafeeds, equipment, and chemicals will be key to boosting aquaculture outputs as rising demand for fish and stagnating production from global capture fisheries add pressure to the world aquaculture industry. Competition for feed resources and the limited availability of suitable land and water will continue to force the aquaculture industry to seek solutions that will intensify production sustainably.

Key Findings in the Global Aquaculture Study:

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems and Other Sophisticated Products will be Key to Production

Recirculating aquaculture systems; meters, feeders, and other equipment that reduce labor costs; and improved feed and other inputs will all be required to meet global demand for fish. These products allow fish farms to reduce labor costs, accelerate fish growth rates, and increase stocking densities, all of which will promote greater production levels without requiring substantially more land or water while also reducing the potential for environmental harm.

Higher Stocking Densities Will Increase Risks of Aquaculture Diseases

Increased numbers of fish in an aquaculture system will raise the risk of outbreaks of costly diseases such as infectious salmon anemia virus and white spot syndrome, as well as sea lice and other health hazards that have challenged aquaculture production over the past decade. Innovations in water quality management – including the use of specialty treatment chemicals, disinfection equipment, and circulation systems – and improvements to immunity supplements, aquafeed formulations, and pharmaceuticals will all be crucial to reduce the risk of outbreaks of these diseases.

Innovations in Aquafeed to Address Fish Meal and Fish Oil Challenges

Supplies of fish meal and fish oil for use in aquafeeds have been threatened by rising demand for these products in other applications and by declining global capture fishery production of anchovies and other fish used for the production of fish meal and fish oil. At the same time, rising demand for shrimp, salmon, and other carnivorous fish has increased the need for these products. Improved aquafeeds with innovative blends of plant proteins such as soy, land animal protein, and other ingredients will be key to keep feed conversion ratios low, maintain healthy fish growth rates, and reduce the incidence of disease.

Study Coverage

This study presents historical demand data (2007, 2012, and 2017) and forecasts for 2022 by region, product – aquafeed, equipment (habitats, pumps, filters, and meters) and chemicals (water treatment chemicals, aquafeed supplements, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizers) – and market (hatcheries, intensive grow-out aquaculture, and extensive grow-out aquaculture). The study also evaluates company market share and analyzes industry competitors including Bayer, BioMar, Cargill, Charoen Pokphand, CP Prima, Ebara, Grobest, Grundfos, Merck, Nutreco, Pentair, Royal DSM, Tongwei, and Xylem.