December 2018 Issue 311 - IFFO

December 2018 Issue 311

www.iffo.net

2 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018

IFFO NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS

3 Editorial

New videos available from the IFFO Annual Conference

4 IFFO visits key players in the Vietnamese market

5 Asking the tough questions to ensure a prosperous future for marine ingredients

7 International Aquafeed Magazine—November column

New IFFO applicant members

8 IFFO RS trip to Southeast Asia

IFFO RS launches multispecies fisheries criteria for pilot

9 IFFO RS article: Responsible fishmeal sourcing crucial for aquaculture

10 Guest article: IMO’s 2020 Sulphur Emissions regulation fast approaching

24 Calendar

13 India to export fish meal, fish oil to China: Commerce Ministry

Use of fish by-products could lead to higher profits

14 Microplastics presence in Peruvian sea’s species still low, according to IMARPE

15 Historic microplastics problem revealed

Dioxins and related PCBs: tolerable intake level updated

16 Climate change report predicts drastic changes in US marine economy

17 GOED: Results from VITAL and REDUCE-IT Presented

18 Antarctic Krill Fishery Again Awarded Sustainability ‘A’ Rating

19 ENFEN Official Statement

20 News in Brief

CONTENTS

Following our successful

Conference in Rome, the IFFO

team has been busy launching

new projects and visiting

members across our global

network. The conference

highlighted some key strategic

themes that are dominating our

industry and our visits have

allowed us to explore these in

more depth and look at how we

can address them further in our

project work. We have also been

discussing some operational changes within IFFO, in an effort to further

enhance our services for members. My travels have taken me to

Denmark, Norway, Chile and Peru, providing a fascinating insight into

the unique challenges and opportunities facing each country, as well as

the similarities. I will now work hard with the team to act on our findings

to present at our Members’ Meeting in Madrid (2nd to 4th May 2019),

details for which will be sent to members in January.

IFFO’s China Director, Maggie Xu, and Market Research Director, Enrico

Bachis, took a fascinating trip to Vietnam to learn more about this fast

growing market. Their insights are included in this edition and are well

worth a read. Other than that, the team are working hard before the

Christmas festivities and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you

all best wishes for the upcoming holidays.

Petter Martin Johannessen

Director General

EDITORIAL

DECEMBER 2018 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ 3

New videos available from the IFFO Annual Conference

A series of short video interviews were recorded at our 58th

Annual Conference in Rome held in October. The videos cover

key discussion topics at the conference and feature speakers

being interviewed by IFFO’s Technical Director Neil

Auchterlonie.

The new videos that are now available on the IFFO website

and include:

Driving change in South East Asian trawl fisheries,

fishmeal supply, and aquafeed - Neil Auchterlonie (IFFO),

Dan Lee (GAA) and Duncan Leadbitter (Fish Matter)

The use of Ethoxyquin in fishmeal - Niels Alsted (FEFAC)

IFFO Fishmeal Database – Brett Glencross (University of

Stirling)

Unravelling fishmeal and IFFO Salmon feed study - Brett

Glencross (University of Stirling)

http://www.iffo.net/iffo-videos

IFFO NEWS


Between 19th and 23rd November Maggie Xu, IFFO China

Director, and Enrico Bachis, IFFO Market Research Director,

visited Viet Nam. The purpose of such trip was twofold: on one

hand IFFO aimed at raising its profile in South East Asia by

meeting key players within the feed and marine ingredients

local industries; on the other hand, IFFO tried to learn more

about a market which is gaining importance both as fishmeal

producer and feed consumer.

During the trip IFFO met with both trade bodies and individual

companies.

Our meetings with VINAPA (Vietnam Pangasius Association) and

VASEP (Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and

Producers) were a good opportunity to learn about the size of

the local industry. Vietnam does in fact farms around 3 million

metric tons of fish per year, 1.2 million of which are pangasius,

and around 700,000 metric tons of shrimps. Total export value

of seafood product in 2018 is expected at around US$9 billion,

below the 10 billion planned by the government. Pangasius

exports are expected to contribute with around US$2.1. billion,

shrimp with US$3.8 billion, and the rest coming from different

species, including tuna, squid, octopus and sea fish.

Pangasius exports continue to be a strong point of the

Vietnamese seafood industry. Besides strong growth in

pangasius exports to the US, in fact, the export of this product

to the EU has started to increase again after three consecutive

years of reduction. Shrimp exports are also expected to

increase. However, as the supply of shrimp from major

producers in the world is still large, the price of shrimp is not

expected to increase worldwide. Some countries are in fact

selling at low prices to undercut the competition, creating

negative pressure on the export price. Therefore, although the

demand will increase in the last months of the year, Viet Nam’s

export value of shrimp in 2018 is unlikely to grow strongly,

remaining at the same level as in 2017.

Great attention is being paid by these Vietnamese

trade organisations to the need for sustainable

practices and related certifications, as their

members face increasing pressure from the value

chain to demonstrate that the used raw material

complies with international standards. This is not

a concern for pangasius offal, but it remains a

thorny issue for sea fish. The work of IFFO and

IFFO RS to promote a Fishery Improvement Plan

(FIP) in the area was a hot topic in all our

conversations with the Vietnamese counterparts,

whose willingness to contribute and collaborate

was made clear throughout our visits.

Along with our member Kanematsu Vietnam, we also had

meetings with some of the most important aqua-farmers, feed

producers and fishmeal&fish oil suppliers in the country, some

of which are vertically integrated.

Total animal feed production in Vietnam is estimated at around

30 million metric tons per year, of which around 5 million are of

aquafeed. Fishmeal inclusion rate in the pangasius diet is

estimated to be on average at around 5%, while that of shrimps

at around 20/25%. Feed Conversion Rates for pangasius and

shrimp are estimated at around 1.7% and below 1.5%,

respectively.

Among the companies we visited there were TRISEDCO, part of

the Sao Mai conglomerate, and VINH HOAN, both specialized in

crude fish oil and fishmeal production.Their meal and crude fish

oil are processed from Pangasius filleting offal, but while meal is

mainly exported, 40% of pangasius fish oil is finding a strong

local demand as food oil. With a market share of almost 25%

for TRISEDCO and 12% for VINH HOAN, they are the first and

IFFO visits key players in the Vietnamese market


IFFO NEWS

third Vietnamese biggest exporters of fishmeal, mainly to China

and Thailand.

Vietnam in recent years has produced around 300,000 mt of

fishmeal, 50% of which from sea fish raw material and 50%

from pangasius offal. Around 80 local producers of marine

ingredients actively participate in the international market,

although the top 10 exporting companies account for 70% of

the total shipped tonnage. In 2018 sea fish meal production is

expected to be down by around 15/20% year on year, while

that of pangasius down by 5%. Overall fishmeal production thus

is expected to be at around 250,000 mt, 140,000 mt of which

will be exported. 80% of the exported meal is usually pangasius

meal, with a protein content between 62% to 65%, of which

China absorbs an average 65%, or 75/80,000 metric tons per

year.

Vietnam does also import around 120/130,000 metric tons of

fishmeal with high protein content in order to supply its feed

industry, especially that of shrimp. While in Vietnam we had the

opportunity to visit the feed plant of Sheng Long Bio-Tech, of

the Chinese group Haid, which, with a 12% of the total imports,

is the third biggest importer of fishmeal in Vietnam, following

the other Chinese multinational Grobest (37% share) and the

Taiwanese Uni-President (31%).

Finally, through our conversations with local players we learnt

that local production of fish oil is at around 165/170,000 metric

tons per year, 95% of which of pangasius, and therefore with

almost no EPA-DHA content. 60% of the pangasius fish oil is

primarily used to make animal feed and biodiesel, and exported

to Singapore. The rest as already mentioned is now locally used

as refined oil for direct human consumption mainly through the

brand Ranee, owned by the Sao Mai group. In 2010 they signed

a US$15 million contract with Belgium-based Desmet Balesstra

Group to import fish oil refining technology and equipment to

build a modern processing plant. The refining facility is

generating two products, stearin (thick oil) and olein (thin oil).

Stearin is used in food processing industries (instant noodle,

cream, butter, chocolate, cake, etc.) while olein is being

distributed to the market in the form of cooking oil and

nutrition oil for children (supplementing vitamins and

unsaturated fatty acids needed for health). In addition, raw

materials for pharmaceutical companies to produce fish oil

capsules containing Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 is also

being extracted.

Article published in International Aquafeed - Asking the tough questions to ensure a prosperous future for marine ingredients

Author: Petter Martin Johannessen, Director General, IFFO

Since I joined IFFO as Director General in September and after

travelling and meeting members and stakeholders, I see great

interest in developing this unique industry to meet the future

nutritional needs in feed. The IFFO team is spread across three

offices (London, Lima and Beijing) to engage with our largest

markets, gathering data across 40 countries, leading technical

projects and assisting members. Once a year the whole team

gathers together for the Annual Conference and I was

fortunate to have this early in my new role as Director

General. I was previously in touch with IFFO as a member

through Cargill (EWOS) and attended the Conferences, and I

am impressed at how the team works together organising this

high level event. This year’s conference in Rome was a success

and the bold overall aim was to question where the industry is

and look at what needs to be done for sustainable

development and growth for the industry.

The stage was first set with IFFO’s President Eduardo

Goycoolea leading a high level panel of industry leaders from

across our supply chain to discuss the future of marine

ingredients and the key challenges that we face. Discussions

from the panel highlighted key themes which were then

echoed by other speakers throughout the Conference. The

first point that was made from across the panel, was the vital

role that marine ingredients play, but the increasing challenge

of population growth and resource scarcity. Árni M. Mathiesen

(Assistant Director-General, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture


IFFO NEWS

Department) painted a clear picture of the challenge that we

face in terms of global food security with the number of

undernourished people rising to 821 million in 2017. He noted

that with less resources the industry must respond with more

innovation. This was echoed by George Chamberlain

(President, Global Aquaculture Alliance), who called marine

ingredients the gold standard but that supply must be

increased through new innovative sources and the increase

use of by-products. Ole Eirik Lerøy (Chairman of the Board,

Marine Harvest ASA) emphasised the importance of

aquaculture in producing more food, and stated the clear

reality facing his company that they had reduced the use of

marine ingredients as much as they could in their feed chain

and growth would now have to come from alternative

sources.

In terms of by-products, the industry has some obvious

potential for growth and an IFFO-funded study (Jackson and

Newton, 2016) showed that in 2015 although roughly 66% of

fishmeal was made from whole fish, by-products accounted

for 34%. There are some practical difficulties in collecting

some of the raw material, and it may not be possible to

achieve total recovery given the way the global seafood sector

is structured, but there are certainly opportunities to achieve

more with capture fisheries and aquaculture by-product.

Estimates showed that the current raw material total of

approximately 20-23 million tonnes could be as high as 35

million tonnes with this additional volume. The report also

indicated that as aquaculture grows, there will potentially be

even more raw material available for fishmeal and fish oil

production, and the decade through to 2025 could see this

available volume rise as high as 45 million tonnes.

There is another angle to this as well: In terms of the salmon

farming industry, a study published earlier this year by the

University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture and University

of Massachusetts at Boston found that by-products in Scottish

salmon farming are generally well utilised, but total by-

product value output could be improved by 803% (£23.7

million), based on 2015 figures, adding 5.5% value to the

salmon industry. Segmentation of by-product will add value to

the aquaculture industry, and of course this is entirely reliant

on fishmeal and fish oil as the nutritional foundation in the

first place. The potential is there and it’s now up to the

industry to adapt and make use of these previously wasted

resources. Examples of the new developing ingredients algal

oil and single cell proteins were also presented at the

conference and show promise to supplement traditional feed

options and investment in this area is growing. It is going to be

a combination of all these ingredients, used in a strategic

manner, which will allow for further growth in aquaculture.

The next theme of discussion focused on responsible supply

and social practices, in areas such as South East Asia. Much

work has been done by the industry since the AP investigation

back in 2014 with a range of Fishery Improvement

Programmes (FIPs), and IFFO together with the GAA has

funded work looking at raw material supply and fishmeal

production in the region. That project is about to report and

we look forward to the recommendations that will be part of

the outcome of that work. IFFO is aware that there are some

other regions of the world where there may be some scope

for improving practices and in 2019 we will be looking into

some of the criticisms of the sector in West Africa, for

example.

As I’ve already mentioned this industry, like many others, is

complex and this is mostly down to its far reaching supply

chain. This is the next theme that appeared over the

conference and one that I believe is key to our success. Simply

put, we need to map and engage our value chain. As an

industry we need to better understand the value drivers

downstream to better predict future impacts and identify

areas of growth. This is an area that I have experience in from

my previous roles and one that I will focus IFFO’s efforts on.

Following on from this, the final theme focused on our

responsibility to communicate the role that we play and our

contribution to global food security across the value chain. Pål

Korneliussen (Publisher, IntraFish Media) stated that in

general as an industry we are understood by only a few and

give little access to information to the outside world. Our

industry plays a key and unique role but at the moment only

those around us know it. IFFO has been following an evidence

based approach when communicating to ensure we stick to

the facts and be transparent in order to be trusted. An

example of the evidence-based approach was given by Prof

Brett Glencross (Institute of Aquaculture, University of

Stirling), who gave a compelling presentation on what makes

fishmeal such a special resource. His presentation showed the

clear abundance of beneficial and complementary nutritional

factors in fishmeal, highlighting the high protein content as

key, as well as the abundance of those essential amino acids

and lipids. He also noted that it is a renewable protein source

which is available globally and with a range of options as raw

material. In short, he noted that fishmeal is among the best

ingredient available for absolute protein content and while

there are ingredients with higher protein, they are rarely cost-

competitive. We have the evidence and the story and now as

IFFO and the wider industry we need to tell it.


All roads led to Rome for IFFO

members this October as the

IFFO Annual Conference was held

in the eternal city. It was really a

fascinating event this year, and

the panel discussion in the

opening session set the tone for

an event that really explored the

true value of fishmeal and fish oil

as aquafeed ingredients. It was

pleasing to hear that the feed

companies really respect the

nutritional value of these

materials and acknowledge that they will continue to be the

foundation of fish nutrition for years to come.

Our technical session maintained this theme. One presenta-

tion, in particular, generated a real buzz which has lasted well

beyond the conference. I have since seen it referred to in at

least another two external events, including the presentation of

a slide or two (fully acknowledged of course) and heard many

conversations about the slides. Prof Brett Glencross of the

Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, provided a

summary of some IFFO-funded project work that he is

delivering on behalf of our members. Entitled “Unravelling

Fishmeal: What makes this resource so special?” Brett talked

through the availability of feed ingredients for aquafeed, the

evolution of feeds in the context of a changing raw material

supply base. He has a great presenting style that links detailed

technical information with practical application, reflecting his

career roles in academia, government and industry.

Brett opened with the view that fishmeal free diets are a reality

and it is possible to produce salmon without the use of fishmeal

in the diet. Nothing startling there of course, although perhaps

a bit controversial for an audience of fishmeal producers, but

the real question that flows out of that statement is how to

create value from something that may no longer be essential.

Having said that, Brett proceeded to talk about essential amino

acids and essential fatty acids, and although the descriptor here

is a technical definition and fishmeals are not the only sources

of these important materials for fish nutrition, they are

incredibly important blocks in the manufacture of suitable

feeds with fishmeal known to be a comparatively rich source of

both. As Brett mentioned, the formulation of feeds could be

regarded as a complex risk management process where several

formulation specification constraints including nutrient

requirements, raw material tolerances, antinutrient thresholds,

processing parameters, legal frameworks, social attitudes, and,

not least, price, all need to be taken into account.

Further points made emphasised the vitamins and minerals in

fishmeal, a subject that we often speak about in our IFFO

presentations, and a fascinating slide summarising some of the

compounds unique to fishmeal as a feed ingredient that are of

much interest in identifying why the material is so beneficial in

feeds. Again, fascinating stuff. All this came together in slides

that looked at critically appraising performance in aquafeeds.

Prof Glencross rounded off with a request for further fishmeal

samples from across the IFFO membership with which to

populate our ever-growing database, that provides a library of

different fishmeals, the raw material from which they are

derived, and the analysis. Samples are being provided for

analysis from all over the world, and will be characterised for

various quality parameters. In this way IFFO hopes to support

its members with a growing scientific evidence-base on

fishmeal quality for many years to come.

International Aquafeed Magazine—November column

IFFO’s Neil Auchterlonie

IFFO NEWS

Country Company Category

Spain Derwent Arizona S.L Premium Non-Producer

New IFFO applicant members (awaiting Board approval in May)


Nicola Clark, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Coordinator

at IFFO RS, attended the Seafood Task Force Meeting in

Bangkok between the 5th and 7th November 2018 in order to

continue working on and promoting developments in SE Asia,

particularly those related to the IFFO RS Improver Programme

(IFFO RS IP). During this meeting contributions were made

within different working groups to scrutinise particular areas of

difficulty and how the Task Force can work to improve them.

IFFO RS are hoping to continue to work with the Task Force to

ensure progress is maintained and improvements are seen

within the marine ingredients production facilities in Thailand

but also their fisheries.

During this trip Nicola also had the opportunity to have

meetings with stakeholders involved in both the Thailand

Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) (Gulf of Thailand) and the

Vietnam FIP (Vung Tau) to discuss their ongoing work and the

recently approved multispecies fishery assessment criteria to

be introduced as part of the IFFO RS IP. A clear pathway

through application onto the IFFO RS IP was presented and it

allowed them the opportunity to ask questions.

After the Task Force, Nicola also represented IFFO RS at a series

of Workshops about Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU)

fishing funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts as part of their

Ending Illegal Fishing Project. These workshops took place in

Bangkok, Thailand, Surabaya, Indonesia and Ho Chi Minh City,

Vietnam in order to gain better insights into the impacts of IUU

fishing on local industry including environmental and social

impacts, and any current initiatives taking place in each

country. Another outcome of these workshops was to help

highlight some of the global and local issues caused by IUU

fishing and provide information about how seafood supply

chain owners and players within the chain can help reduce IUU

material within these. By providing information about the IFFO

RS programmes and how these can help prevent IUU within the

supply chain, IFFO RS was presented as a way to allow

producers and processors to demonstrate their commitment to

responsible supply and production.

IFFO NEWS

IFFO RS launches multispecies fisheries criteria for pilot

Following approval by the

IFFO RS Governing Body

Committee (GBC), IFFO RS

has formally launched its

multispecies criteria to be

tested during the next 3

years with relevant

fisheries such as mixed trawl fisheries in SE Asia. During this

period, the pilot will work as a part of the IFFO RS Improver

Programme (IP).

The multispecies pilot approach characterises fisheries using a

risk-rating system, enabling the development of an

improvement plan that will produce a measurable reduction in

risk over time. This approach has been developed by experts

in alignment with the APFIC (Asia Pacific Fisheries

Commission) guidelines and has been comprehensively peer

reviewed to ensure a robust and credible framework. The end

goal of this pilot is to provide a credible and recognised

assessment framework to evaluate multispecies fisheries.

Nicola Clark, MEL Co-ordinator at IFFO RS, says: “The pilot will

enable us to test the methodology in active fisheries so we can

refine it and ultimately develop a credible and realistic set of

criteria. This pilot will be considered as one of the requirements

for acceptance on to the IFFO RS Improver Programme and

over time work towards full IFFO RS approval.”

For more information about the IFFO RS Improver Programme and the multispecies criteria please visit the IFFO RS website or email the IFFO RS secretariat at [email protected]

IFFO RS trip to Southeast Asia

https://www.iffors.com/multispecies-pilot-approach

mailto:[email protected]


Article by Nikki Holmyard,

interviewing IFFO RS’ Libby

Woodhatch

The IFFO RS Global Standard

for Responsible Supply

appointed a new executive

chair earlier this year,

following the retirement of

industry stalwart Andy

Jackson. Six months into the

job, Libby Woodhatch told

the Advocate that she is finally finding her feet in her

“fascinating” new role.

Woodhatch, who had an attraction to all things marine from an

early age, has worked in the seafood industry since earning a

master’s degree in fisheries development and planning. Her

roles – which range from long-term consultancy projects, to

CEO of Seafood Scotland to head of advocacy for Seafish – have

given her a deep insight into the complexity of the world of

fisheries and aquaculture.

“Overseeing the IFFO RS vision for all global marine ingredients

to be sourced from responsibly sourced fisheries products and

produced in a safe manner, is probably my most challenging

role to date,” she said.

Woodhatch explained that IFFO RS is an independent business-

to-business certification program for the production of marine

ingredients that works alongside the IFFO RS Chain of Custody

for Responsible Supply (IFFO RS CoC), and the IFFO RS

Improvers Programme (IFFO RS IP). “The overall aim of the

program is to enable marine ingredient producers to

demonstrate their commitment to the responsible sourcing and

safe production of raw materials,” said Woodhatch. “This is a

vital area of work if fishmeal and fish oil are to remain as a

credible ingredient in feed for aquaculture.”

The IFFO RS standard was first proposed in 2007 by the

International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO). The

group retained the IFFO brand, but is now known as The Marine

Ingredients Organisation.

“Rapid growth of the global fishmeal and fish oil markets,

together with growing concern over the sustainability of global

fisheries and the fight against illegal, unreported and

unregulated (IUU) fishing, meant there was an urgent need for

a tool to enable industry to demonstrate responsible practice,”

said Woodhatch.

It took several years to develop the standard, which uses the

fishmeal plant as the unit of certification and addresses the

sourcing of raw material by referring to the Food and

Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Code of Conduct for

Responsible Fisheries.

The first fishmeal plants were certified in 2010, which caused a

rapid flurry of interest. By 2017, 135 plants in 17 different

countries had gained IFFO RS certification.

“This means that more than 45% of the world’s combined

production of marine ingredients is now IFFO RS compliant, and

by the end of 2018, we estimate that this figure will rise to

around 50% of global production,” said Woodhatch.

Credibility is assured through ISEAL associate membership,

which gives reassurance to the value chain that the standard

has been developed using a globally recognised framework and

that it also complies with ISEAL’s codes of good practice related

to assurance, impacts assessment and monitoring.

Woodhatch explained that when the IFFO RS standard was first

developed, the initial focus was on single-species feed fisheries

within well-developed fisheries management systems.

However, as demand has grown, so too has the need for the

marine ingredients sector to protect its position and reputation

globally. The result is a collective need to work with fisheries

that are more complex and to support them on an improve-

ment journey.

“The changing nature of supply led to the development of the

IFFO RS Improver Programme. This provides a mechanism by

which fisheries that do not currently meet the IFFO RS

requirements can work towards approval for certification along

a structured pathway such as through a fishery improvement

project (FIP) and obtain recognition for consistent progress

towards achieving IFFO RS approval,” she said.

Collaboration over social and ethical issues is especially

important as it is a complex field, with a great deal of effort

being undertaken in an area where meaningful improvements

can only be made by working together.

This work has been undertaken in collaboration with the

aquaculture value chain, which welcomes assistance in

developing additional supplies of responsibly sourced feed,

according to Woodhatch.

“The latest FIP to be accepted onto the Improver Programme is

the multi-stakeholder Ecuadorian small pelagics fishery. We

have also launched multispecies fishery criteria to be tested in

relevant fisheries such as those in Southeast Asia. The criteria

IFFO RS article: Responsible fishmeal sourcing crucial for

aquaculture

IFFO NEWS

https://www.aquaculturealliance.org/advocate/iffo-rs-responsible-fishmeal-sourcing-aquaculture/




have been developed to help us expand the IFFO RS IP to more

complex fisheries, thereby driving change in capture fisheries,

which is very exciting,” she said.

IFFO RS works in close collaboration with other standard

holders, particularly those in the aquaculture value chain such

as Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP). The aim is to ensure

complementarity and the provision of complete assurance for

the seafood supply chain. Woodhatch explained that BAP

Standards Coordinator Dan Lee is both a member of the IFFO

RS Governing Body Committee and the IFFO RS Improver

Programme Acceptance Committee.

“BAP’s input as standard holders further up the aquaculture

chain is key, as we need to ensure that IFFO RS-certified

material meets their needs too. We are delighted that BAP

recognizes and supports IFFO RS-certified material, which in

turn provides a great pull factor for fishmeal plants,” said

Woodhatch.

She believes that input from BAP and others will be even more

critical as IFFO RS moves towards enhancing the level of social

criteria within its standards and begins to address the need to

extend this scope to vessels supplying raw material to the

fishmeal factories.

“We are in the process of setting up a social and ethical

committee to drive this initiative forward and I am delighted

that Dan has agreed to be a part of this. IFFO RS will also be

involved in the new, not-for-profit Global Seafood Assurances

(GSA), the brainchild of Wally Stevens, which will address gaps

in aquaculture and fisheries certification to provide complete

and credible assurances for seafood and aquaculture supply

chains,” she said.

Working in partnership with GSA will enable IFFO RS to avoid

duplication of effort and to draw on the expertise of other

standard holders to address gaps in the supply chain.

“Collaboration over social and ethical issues is especially

important as it is a complex field, with a great deal of effort

being undertaken in an area where meaningful improvements

can only be made by working together,” said Woodhatch.

She is closely watching the migration of the UK’s Responsible

Fishing Scheme from Seafish over to the GSA, and believes that

it could provide one of the potential solutions to providing

assurances on fishing vessels supplying the marine ingredients

sector.

“There is much work to be done to bring the entire marine

ingredients supply industry up to an acceptable standard,

particularly in the field of tropical fishmeal, but I like a

worthwhile challenge and I look forward to making a success of

this one,” she said.

Source: The Advocate

IFFO NEWS

Guest article: IMO’s 2020 Sulphur Emissions regulation fast approaching

Dr Gretel Bescoby, Technical

Manager, FOSFA International

Any industry that relies heavily on

shipping for moving large quantities

of its commodities needs to be

alerted to the impact of the IMO’s

looming global 0.5% m/m (mass by

mass) fuel sulphur content cap

regulation which will come into

force from 1st January 2020.

The IMO has been working to reduce the harmful impacts of

shipping on the environment since the 1960s. The

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from

Ships (MARPOL Convention) adopted Annex VI in 1997 to

address air pollution from shipping and seeks to control

airborne emissions from ships such as sulphur oxides (SOx),

ozone depleting substances (ODS), and others. The emissions

contribute to local and global air pollution, human health

issues and environmental problems.

The current limit for sulphur content of ships’ fuel oil is 3.5 %


https://www.fosfa.org/


m/m for ships operating outside Emission Control Areas and

the limit will decrease to 0.5 % m/m from 1 January 2020.

What will be the effect on the shipping industry?

Reuters estimates that roughly 90% of world trade is by sea

signifying that the potential increased shipping cost could

impact all traded goods. However, according to analysts, the

energy as well as the shipping industries are ill-prepared, with

refiners likely to struggle to meet higher demand for cleaner

fuel and few ships fitted with equipment to reduce sulphur

emissions or adapted to handle low sulphur content fuel.

According to Wood Mackenzie, Global Energy Research, the

marine sector is responsible for half of global fuel oil demand,

the majority of which has high sulphur content of between 1

and 3.5 %. Fuel cost is critical for shippers as it accounts for

about half of a ship’s daily operating cost as estimated by

Thomson Reuters Research. The 3.5 % sulphur content Heavy

Fuel Oil (HFO) currently account for roughly 75% of global

bunker fuel used. Marine Gas Oil (MGO) contains less than 0.5

% sulphur with a premium for the low sulphur fuel over HFO

that has averaged $255 per tonne over the last five years

between 1 March 2012 and 1 March 2017. However, most

estimates of the premium for MGO in 2020 are in the range of

$300-400 with some estimates exceeding $600. The

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

(OECD) estimates the impact for the 2020 fuel change as a cost

increase of 20-85%, depending on fuel price changes and ship

size/speed. The magnitude of these changes impacts the

entire shipping industry and the cost increases will

undoubtedly be passed on.

What alternative options are available?

The shipping vessel operating companies will have to choose

between the following available options to be in place by the

1st January 2020:

They can switch from HFO to compliant lower sulphur

containing oils such as MGO with sulphur content less than

0.5% or ultra-low sulphur fuel oil (ULSFO) of 0.1% maximum

sulphur content.

Ship-owners can fit exhaust gas cleaning systems

(scrubbers) to their ship engine exhaust systems that will clean

up the emissions from HFO.

Vessels can change to a completely different fuel source such

as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Compliant low sulphur fuel oils appear to be the most simple

and straightforward answer with little initial financial outlay

and the switch from HFO to compliant oils can simply be

passed on to the customer where possible. However, it is not

as straightforward as that since ship engines have been

designed to run on HFO and lower sulphur fuel are likely to

impact the efficiency of lubricants in the main engine.

Adjustments will have to be made to make sure that the

engines are compatible with the fuel in time for the switch. In

addition, according to Wood Mackenzie, they expect the MGO

demand could increase from 1.3m barrels per day (bpd) in

2019 to 3.4m bpd in 2020 due to the new demand from the

marine sector and refiners will be challenged to meet the

IFFO NEWS


compliant fuels

demand from the

shipping sector

with a concurrent

increase in price.

Analysts say that

refitting a refinery

to produce larger

volumes of

distillates with

lower sulphur

content while

reducing fuel oil

output can cost

about $1 billion.

Some ship-owners

have started to

retrofit exhaust

gas cleaning

systems

(scrubbers) to their

vessels which will

allow them to continue to use the lower costing HFO.

Scrubbers work by spraying alkaline water into a vessel’s

exhaust to remove sulphur and other unwanted chemicals,

either via open-loop system, closed-loop system, or hybrid

(open-and-closed loop) system. An additional complication is

that sludge removed by the wash water treatment plant must

be retained on-board for disposal ashore and cannot be

burned in the ship’s incinerators. Although effective,

scrubbers require a large financial outlay of $5m to $10m per

vessel, depending on the number and capacity of the main

engines, along with limitations due to restricted scrubber

manufacturing capacity, drydock availability and technological

uncertainties. Nonetheless, Wood Mackenzie reckons that

scrubbers are potentially the favoured economical attractive

option where ship-owners can expect a high rate of return of

between 20-50% depending on investment cost, MGO-HFO

price spread and ships’ fuel consumption. Andrew Wilson

from Alpha-Tankers estimates that by 2020 2,000 vessels

could have scrubbers. This accounts for roughly 3.3% of

vessels on international routes, which are a surprisingly low

number.

Industry estimates suggest that using liquefied natural gas to

power ships instead of HFO or the lighter MGO can reduce

polluting emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides by

90 to 95 %. LNG is a more logical option for new –builds as

retrofitting of ships to run on LNG is a costly and sophisticated,

complex operation that require modification of existing

engines or addition of gas tanks, as well as the huge cost of

fitting LNG tanks and gas piping systems. New-builds powered

by LNG cost around $5 million more than regular ships. Apart

from the initial financial outlay, the major challenge in using

LNG to power ships is the investment needed to build the

required refuelling facilities in order to ensure that there is

availability of a worldwide network of LNG bunkering

(refuelling and fuel storage) infrastructure, which to-date is

severely underdeveloped. The majority of the LNG-powered

ships are coastal vessels limited to European waters mainly

because of the availability of bunkering ports although due to

an increasing awareness of the availability of LNG and its

environmental benefits the industry has gained interest in

investing in LNG bunkering facilities world-wide.

LNG is expected to be less costly than MGO and it is suggested

that a price (based on energy content) comparable to HFO is

possible. According to Stolt-Nielsen there are currently 242

ships using LNG as fuel and it is estimated that an additional

400-600 LNG powered ships will be delivered by 2020 which

would bring the total to roughly 1.2% of vessels powered on

LNG in international routes.

The shipping industry is faced with several options ahead of

2020 although there is not a perfect solution. The IMO’s

sulphur emission regulation may have far reaching

implications which will only be evident once additional

chartering costs and shifts in the fuel market with the knock-

on effect on prices of other products, such as jet fuel and

diesel, and have become clear. What is clear is that it is going

to increase operating costs and moving anything will be more

expensive with customers most likely expected to bear the

majority or part of the extra costs. It would be prudent for

commodity producers reliant on moving their goods globally

to plan and budget ahead for likely freight price increases,

which as reported by the OECD, could be up to 20% or more.

According to Wood Mackenzie, the IMO’s emissions

restriction will affect the global economy which may well be

felt from mid-2019 onwards and last for a few years, as the

refining and shipping sectors determine how to survive and

best adapt.

IFFO NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS


The fisheries sector in Việt Nam should use more seafood by-

products such as bones, heads and skin to add value to the

industry, experts said during an event held between Vietnam-

ese and Norwegian fishery firms on Wednesday in HCM City.

For the last 30 years, Việt Nam and Norway, which are among

the top 10 biggest fishery nations in the world, have been

working together in the marine industry.

Norwegian firms have been developing technologies and

processes to use as much from the fish as possible, or what

the industry calls "Marine Rest Raw Materials", to make

human and animal food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical

products.

Grete Lochen, Norwegian Ambassador in Việt Nam, said that

fisheries and aquaculture were contributing greatly to the

global food supply, but there was a great need to enhance

food security, both through sustainable fishing and aquacul-

ture, and by a higher use of ’rest raw materials’.

Trần Đình Luân, deputy general director of the Directorate of

Fisheries, said that the country’s high-quality seafood was

exported to many countries, but that Marine Rest Raw

Materials could yield more profits and reduce the need for

discharge of waste.

Phan Thanh Lộc, director of VietnamFood, said that such

matierals account for a large portion of the input in fishery,

especially shrimp, and contain a great deal of nutrition. They

can bring great value to firms and sustainable development to

Việt Nam’s fishery industry, he said. Vietnamese firms have

been using a small fraction of the "rest raw material" as

Vietnamese technologies for processing the materials are still

limited.

More research and investment into technologies, as well as

trade promotion, are needed to make use of these highly

profitable materials, according to Lộc. Vietnamese factories

should not view these materials as waste, but as products and

materials for processing, and preserve them more carefully to

maintain their high quality.

At the summit, Norwegian firms in the fishery industries

expressed interest in working with Vietnamese firms and

looking for local suppliers of high-quality fish and fish

products, and buyers of their technologies, such as fish feed,

processing technologies, fish oil and fish meal.

Source: Vietnam News

Use of fish by-products could lead to higher profits

China has now agreed to import fishmeal and fish oil from India

as both sides have inked a protocol regarding this. “Signing of

the protocol between the two countries paves the way for

export of Indian fish oil and fish meal to China,” the commerce

ministry said in a statement. A protocol on hygiene and

inspection requirements for the exports was signed during the

visit of Chinese Vice Minister, General Administration of

Customs of China Hu Wei here.

The move would enable India to commence export of fish meal

and fish oil to China. The neighbouring country has so far not

allowed these exports by India. China imports fish oil to the

tune of USD 143.29 million per year and fish meal worth USD

263.43 million. The Chinese minister, who is leading a six-

member delegation, met Commerce Secretary Anup

Wadhawan and discussed various issues of market access for

different products like milk and milk products, agricultural

goods like soy meal, fruits and vegetables, tobacco and

pharmaceuticals.

India has been seeking market access for these items from

China. “Both the sides agreed to resolve the market access

issues expeditiously to achieve the vision of the leaders of both

the countries by promoting a more balanced trade,” it said.

India’s trade deficit with China has increased to USD 63.12

billion in 2017-18 as against USD 51.11 billion in the previous

financial year. China has earlier permitted imports of rice from

India.

Source: Finance Express

India to export fish meal, fish oil to China: Commerce Ministry

https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/480234/use-of-fish-byproducts-could-lead-to-higher-profits-experts.html#kT2GwJCyPLAqL4ze.97

https://www.financialexpress.com/economy/india-to-export-fish-meal-fish-oil-to-china-commerce-ministry/1397201/

INDUSTRY NEWS


Latest research reveals that the

contamination caused by microplastics

in Peruvian coastal species is still low

compared to other latitudes of the

world where this presence is

worrisome, said researcher at the

Directorate General for Research in

Aquaculture of the Institute of Marine

Affairs of Peru (IMARPE) Sara Purca.

During her participation in the cycle of Marine Sustainability

Conferences SNP, organized by the National Fisheries Society

(SNP), the official said that IMARPE is evaluating the degree of

contamination in other coastal areas of the country where

artisanal fishing is practised.

"In Peru, the first reports on pollution and potential generation

of marine waste that were issued in 2007 registered 1.5 million

tonnes of waste per year along the Peruvian coast. On a

polluted beach, such as Costa Azul in Callao, we found 450

microplastics particles in each square metre of beach.

However, this level is better than pollution of beaches in Asia,

where the level reaches 1,200 particles per square metre," she

said.

In her presentation, the researcher clarified that it is important

not to generate alarm about the presence of microplastics in

the marine species consumed by the population, since there is

no scientific evidence to show that the particles can move from

the digestive tract to the muscle, which is the part consumed

by people.

"To date, we know that microplastics are housed in the

stomach or digestive tract of marine species, whose parts are

not part of the population's consumption. That is why, it is

important to continue investigating to know the degree of

contamination and the impact that this situation can generate

on people's health," she said.

For his part, SNP vice president Ricardo Bernales considered it

important to organize forums where authorities and actors

related to the fishing, environmental and marine sector discuss

issues such as reducing the presence of microplastics at sea.

"This previous step is important to raise awareness among

citizens who still do not understand the seriousness of the

problem that can be generated," he said.

He also indicated that from the SNP a permanent concern is

the sustainability of the fisheries, and in that sense, the

presence of this plastic waste generates a waste that threatens

the health of hydrobiological species.

At least 170 species of vertebrates and marine invertebrates

intake remains that come from objects manufactured by

humans, which poses a great risk to health since microplastics

can absorb and then release toxic contaminants or filter added

chemicals during the manufacturing process (Photo:

Greenpeace)

The expert from IMARPE said that a United Nations study

estimated that the mass of plastic in the oceans could reach

250 million tonnes by the year 2025. 94 per cent of these

particles are lodged in the sediments and on the seabed and

only 1 per cent corresponds to the plastic "islands" that are

concentrated in the high seas.

"The marine waste patch located in the Pacific is made up of

79,000 tonnes of plastic, floating in an area that is three times

the size of France," he said. Purca said it is very complicated to

clean the sea of microplastics, so the solution is the

responsibility of all citizens to use these materials as little as

possible in everyday life.

Source: FIS

Microplastics presence in Peruvian sea’s species still low, according to IMARPE

https://fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&ndb=1&id=100538

INDUSTRY NEWS


Marine creatures living in the deepest parts of the ocean have

been feeding on microplastic particles for at least four

decades, a study has revealed. Researchers at the Scottish

Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban delved into the

institute’s archived samples from the Rockall Trough, an area

of deep sea off the west coast of Scotland, to assess the

extent of microplastic ingestion in the stomachs of bottom-

dwelling starfish and brittle stars.

Traces of eight different plastics, including polyester and

nylon, were found in the stomachs of specimens that lived

more than 2,000 metres below the ocean surface between

1976 and 2015 – and the levels of ingestion were similar

throughout that period.

Across the time series, scientists found that nearly half of the

starfish and brittle stars sampled had ingested microplastics,

defined as small pieces of plastic less than 5 millimetres in

size. When ingested by sea creatures, microplastics may be

retained in their bodies and passed up the food chain.

The study, published in Environmental Pollution, follows on

from SAMS research in 2017, which was the first to quantify

the levels of microplastic ingestion in marine creatures living

at depths of 2,200 metres.

Lead author Winnie Courtene-Jones, a University of the

Highlands and Islands PhD student at SAMS, said: “Mass

production of plastics only began in the 1940s and 1950s, so it

would be reasonable to expect less plastic in our earlier

samples, with a subsequent upward trend to the present day

levels, but we haven’t seen that. In fact, the level of

microplastic ingestion is remarkably similar throughout the

time series.

“This data shows, for the first time, the long-term prevalence

of microplastic pollution in the deep sea and indicated that

microplastics may have been present on the sea floor of the

Rockall Trough prior to 1976.

“We were only able to gather this evidence by using archival

specimen collections and I would encourage those with access

to such repositories to consider using these in order to

broaden our knowledge of historical plastic pollution, which

will help us tackle our modern-day problem.”

SAMS researchers had access to historical records collected

from the annual Ellett Line scientific cruise, which began in

1975 and takes samples and observations at monitoring

stations between Scotland and Iceland.

SAMS deep-sea ecologist Dr Bhavani Narayanaswamy,

Winnie’s lead supervisor and a co-author on the report,

added: “To find such high levels of microplastic ingestion

among deep sea creatures sampled more than 40 years ago

shows that plastic pollution in our oceans is not a new

problem.

“Previous studies have highlighted the current levels of plastic

pollution, or given us a snapshot in time, but we need more

long-term data like this if we are to find out the true extent of

the problem.”

Source: SAMS

Historic microplastics problem revealed

EFSA has confirmed the

conclusion of previous

assessments that dietary

exposure to dioxins and

dioxin-like PCBs –

environmental pollutants

present at low levels in food and feed – is a health concern.

Data from European countries indicate an exceedance of

EFSA’s new tolerable intake level across all age groups.

EFSA’s expert Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain

(CONTAM) has completed the Authority’s first comprehensive

review of the risks to human and animal health from these

substances in food and feed. The European Commission asked

EFSA for this risk assessment following its 2015 review of

differences between tolerable intake levels set by various

scientific advisory bodies.

New tolerable intake

The risk assessment considered effects seen in humans and

used data from animal testing as supportive evidence. EFSA

discussed its scientific approach, including the use of human

(‘epidemiological’) studies, with national partners in European

countries to support further understanding of the methods and

data used.

Dr Ron Hoogenboom of the CONTAM Panel and chair of the

dioxins working group, said: “The Panel has set a new tolerable

weekly intake [TWI] for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food of 2

picograms* per kilogram of body weight.“

The new TWI is seven-times lower than the previous EU

Dioxins and related PCBs: tolerable intake level updated

https://www.sams.ac.uk/news/sams-news-time-travelling-microplastics.html

INDUSTRY NEWS


tolerable intake set by the European Commission’s former

Scientific Committee on Food in 2001. “The main reasons for

the decrease were the availability of new epidemiological and

experimental animal data on the toxicity of these substances

and more refined modelling techniques for predicting levels in

the human body over time.”

Decreased semen quality

“The new TWI is protective against effects on semen quality,

the adverse health effect seen at the lowest levels of these

contaminants in human blood,” Dr Hoogenboom added.

The TWI is also protective against other effects observed in

studies with human subjects: lower sex ratio of sons to

daughters, higher levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in new

-borns and developmental enamel defects on teeth.

Exposure for all ages exceeds TWI

The main contributors to average dietary exposure for most

age groups in European countries are fish (in particular fatty

fish), cheese and livestock meat.

Dr Hoogenboom said: “Average and high exposures were,

respectively, up to five and 15 times the new TWI in

adolescents, adults and the elderly. Toddlers and other children

up to 10 years of age had a similar range of exceedance of the

TWI.”

Panel recommendations

“These exceedances are a health concern, but the toxicity of

the most harmful dioxin-like PCB may be overestimated,”

stated Dr Hoogenboom. “When calculating the toxicity of

substances like these, we use internationally-agreed values

known as ‘toxicity equivalency factors’ (TEFs). The Panel would

support a review of the TEFs for both dioxins and dioxin-like

PCBs in light of new scientific data. If confirmed to be less toxic,

this would reduce the concern for consumers.

Follow up to EFSA’s opinion

The European Commission and EU Member States will discuss

risk management measures following EFSA’s scientific advice to

ensure a high level of consumer protection.

Source: EFSA

Increasing temperatures, ocean acidification, and deoxygena-

tion are the outcomes from climate change that will cause the

most damage the world’s marine economy, according to

National Climate Assessment report released by the U.S.

Global Change Research Program on Friday, 23 November.

The federal program that released the report was mandated

by Congress to coordinate federal research and investments in

understanding the forces shaping the global environment and

their impacts on society. Compiled by top scientists at 13 U.S.

agencies, it paints a grim picture of the future of both U.S. and

global fisheries as the effects of climate change continue to

advance.

The report stated with “very high confidence” that the world

stands to suffer “the loss of iconic and highly valued” habitats,

and said intensifying ecosystem disruption as a result of ocean

warming, acidification, deoxygenation, and other aspects of

climate change will result in major changes in species compo-

sition and food web structure. In fact, these changes are

already underway and have caused significant shifts in how

the marine environment is functioning, especially in the

warmest and coldest environments, and the report stated –

also with very high confidence – these transformative impacts

on ocean ecosystems cannot be avoided In the absence of

significant reductions in carbon emissions.

“Warming, acidification, and reduced oxygen conditions will

interact with other non-climate-related stressors such as

pollution or overfishing,” the report said. “Conservation

measures such as efforts to protect older individuals within

species, maintain healthy fish stocks, and establish marine

protected areas can increase resilience to climate impacts.

However, these approaches are inherently limited, as they do

not address the root cause of warming, acidification, or

deoxygenation. There is growing evidence that many ecosys-

tem changes can be avoided only with substantial reductions

in the global average atmospheric CO2 concentration.”

When it comes to fisheries, the impacts of climate change are

hard to predict with precision, as the effects of each aspect of

Climate change report predicts drastic changes in US marine economy

https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/181120

INDUSTRY NEWS


climate change are likely to compound the others, causing

cascading effects across ecosystems. The report notes that

differences in how species respond to changing physical

conditions could lead to drastic shifts in both the abundance

of certain species, and the locations where they may be found

in the future, as they abandon areas where conditions are no

longer favourable to them, or as they seek to colonize new

locations that may be more amenable to their existence. And

this is likely to happen around the world – the report found

that 86% of global marine ecosystems will experience combi-

nations of temperature and acidification that have never

before been experienced by modern species.

“Changes in productivity, recruitment, survivorship, and, in

some cases, active movements of target species to track their

preferred temperature conditions are leading to shifts in the

distribution of many commercially and recreationally valuable

fish and invertebrates, with most moving poleward or into

deeper water with warming oceans,” the report said.

More alarming, scientists are unable to predict whether

marine species can survive these massive disruptions in the

long-term.

“Little is known about species’ adaptive capacity and whether

the rate of adaptation is fast enough to keep up with the

unprecedented rate of change to the environment,” the

report said.

The report projected that increases in ocean temperature will

lead to declines in maximum catch potential in all U.S. regions

except Alaska. Catch potential in Hawaii and the Pacific

Islands, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico will decline

between 10% and 47% compared to their levels from the

years spanning 1950 to 1969. The U.S. East Coast is expected

to experience total catch potential declines between 20% and

30%, including declines of species that support some of its

most valuable and iconic fisheries, including Atlantic cod,

scallops, and American lobsters. And on the U.S. West Coast,

potential catch will decline by up to 10%. The report predicts a

22% reduction in salmon habitat in Washington state by the

end of the century – a loss valued at USD 3 billion (EUR 2.6

billion).

In contrast, total fish catch potential in the Gulf of Alaska is

projected to increase by approximately 10%, while Bering Sea

catch potential may increase by 46%, according to the report.

However, the uptick will be the result of new species moving

into the newly-warmer waters in the area, with catches of

Bering Sea pollock, one of the largest fisheries in the United

States, and Pacific cod expected will to decline. Moreover,

ocean acidification will have a negative impact on commercial-

ly important species such as Tanner crab, red king crab, and

pink salmon.

The report notes that unusual climate-related events will have

tangential and disrupting effects on the fishing industry. For

example, a marine heatwave in the Gulf of Maine in 2012

caused lobster catches to peak one month earlier than usual.

And, the warm "Blob" that occurred in the Pacific Ocean from

2014-2015 facilitated the formation of a harmful algal bloom

that forced the closure of the Dungeness crab fishery on the

West Coast, and disrupted coho and Chinook salmon runs. The

report also blamed climate change for less cod abundance and

reductions in cod quotas in the Gulf of Maine and in the Gulf

of Alaska.

The impacts of climate change are being felt particularly

acutely in the world’s oceans, the report said, as more than

90% of the extra heat linked to carbon emissions is contained

in the ocean. Globally, ocean surface temperatures have

increased by nearly 1.3 degrees Farenheit over the past

century and predicted to rise further and faster in coming

decades. And as the ocean warms, seawater expands and

causes sea levels to rise, and it loses its ability to hold gases

including oxygen.

Source: Seafood Source

Results from the VITamin D and

OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) and

Reduction of Cardiovascular

Events With EPA – Intervention

Trial (REDUCE-IT) were presented

at the 2018 American Heart

Association (AHA) Scientific

Sessions and simultaneously published in the New England

Journal of Medicine.

VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL):

VITAL investigated whether taking daily vitamin D3 (2000 IU)

and/or EPA+DHA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) (Omacor®, 1

gram) reduces the risk of major cardiovascular disease (CVD)

events. These events were specifically defined as the

composite of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and CVD death.

VITAL also looked at total invasive cancer in people who do not

have a prior history of these illnesses. This is the first large-

GOED: Results from VITAL and REDUCE-IT Presented

https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/environment-sustainability/climate-change-report-paints-dire-future-picture-for-u-s-fisheries

INDUSTRY NEWS


scale primary prevention trial — subjects included 25,871 men

and women — looking at heart disease as an outcome.

For VITAL, omega-3s demonstrated no benefit for cancer

outcomes compared to placebo and did not achieve the trial’s

primary outcome of significantly reducing major CVD events.

However, the following results were statistically significant,

providing long-awaited evidence that omega-3s do provide

benefits for primary prevention:

Total MI: 28% risk reduction (omega-3s: 145 events vs

placebo: 200 events)

Total CHD: 17% risk reduction (omega-3s: 308 events vs

placebo: 370 events)

Fatal MI: 50% risk reduction (omega-3s: 13 events vs

placebo: 26 events)

The greatest reductions were demonstrated in those with low

dietary fish intake and in African Americans. While this is

noteworthy, scrutiny of the data is required to better

understand these findings.

Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With EPA – Intervention Trial

(REDUCE-IT)

REDUCE-IT evaluated in 8,171 men and women whether EPA

(icosapent ethyl) (Vascepa®, 4 grams/day), combined with a

statin therapy, is superior to statin therapy alone, when used as

a prevention in reducing long-term cardiovascular events in

high-risk patients with mixed dyslipidemia.

The following results from REDUCE-IT were statistically

significant when the treatment group was compared to

placebo:

Primary Endpoint Composite of the first occurrence of

major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including

cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI),

nonfatal stroke, coronary revascularization, or unstable

angina requiring hospitalization: 25% risk reduction (as

previously reported)

Key Secondary Composite of CV death, MI, or stroke: 26%

risk reduction

Cardiovascular Death or Nonfatal Myocardial Infarction:

25% risk reduction

Fatal or Nonfatal Myocardial Infarction: 31% risk reduction

Urgent or Emergent Revascularization: 35% risk reduction

Cardiovascular Death: 20% risk reduction

Hospitalization or Unstable Angina: 32% risk reduction

Fatal or Nonfatal Stroke: 28% risk reduction

Total Mortality, Nonfatal Myocardial Infarction or Nonfatal

Stroke: 23% risk reduction

Overall, GOED’s view is that the VITAL results on omega-3s

were more positive than we expected. Additionally, the

presentation of VITAL by the study authors was also positive in

tone. For REDUCE-IT, the additional outcomes presented today

are in line with what was already released in the topline results.

Source: GOED

The Sustainable Fisheries Partner-

ship (SFP) has once again released

its yearly Reduction Fisheries

Sustainability Overview and for the

fourth year in a row, the krill fishery

in the Antarctic has received an “A”

rating for its well-managed krill

fishery.

The independent report states that

of the stocks listed in “very good condition,” (or Category A

status), the Antarctic krill fishery in the Atlantic Southern

Ocean is once again singled out as being particularly well-

managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic

Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).

“Aquaculture is a vital contributor to world food production

but the industry needs more sustainable sources of omega-3

rich feed ingredients to keep the farmed fish healthy. This SFP

ranking confirms the confidence in krill as a sustainable choice

that we believe can be an important driver of sustainability in

aquaculture production globally,” says Pål Einar Skogrand,

Sustainability Manager at Aker BioMarine.

Krill companies that operate in the Antarctic have invested in

supporting ecosystem research over a long time. Earlier this

year, with the rest of the Association for Responsible Krill

Harvesters (ARK) Aker BioMarine made a commitment to

establish ‘buffer zones’ that restrict fishing up to 40 kilometers

away from penguin colonies during breeding season.

“This is a precautionary action to protect Antarctic wildlife

while we wait for CCAMLR to establish a solid large-scale

marine protected area around the Antarctic Peninsula. A good

sustainability practice is good for business, and necessary for

food production and the omega-3 industry overall,” Skogrand

Antarctic Krill Fishery Again Awarded Sustainability ‘A’ Rating

https://mailchi.mp/goedomega3/results-from-vital-and-reduce-it-presented-vital-results-better-than-expected?utm_source=Global+Organization+for+EPA+and+DHA+Omega-3s+List&utm_campaign=d0d5ccca38-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_15_08_19&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_88a4a4

INDUSTRY NEWS


added.

The report analysed 26 reduction fishery stocks worldwide

and each one was placed into one of five ranked sustainability

categories (A, B1, B2, DD, and C). In addition to the strength of

the stock health, SFP’s report also looks at how well each

fishery is managed (under precautionary and ecosystem

approaches).

The 2018 SFP reduction fisheries report shows overall

improvement in the sustainability of fisheries analysed, which

is very positive for the whole industry. 91 percent of the total

catch volume came from stocks that scored 6 or better

(considered reasonably managed fisheries) which marks an 8%

increase in performance compared to last year.

Read the full report here.

Source: Aker BioMarine

Alert system status: El Niño

Surveillance (4rd December)

The ENFEN Multisector Commission

maintains the surveillance status of

El Niño in view of the favorable

conditions for its development. For

the 2018-2019 summer, the odds of

developing an El Niño event in the

Eastern Pacific (Niño 1 + 2), which

includes the northern coast of Peru,

have a 67% probability of occurrence

(58% in the magnitude of a weak El Niño, followed by a neutral

magnitude of 33%). For the central Pacific, an 84% probability

of El Niño occurrence is estimated (60% in the magnitude of a

weak El Niño, followed by a moderate magnitude of 23%).

Likewise, normal and above normal rains are more likely to

occur on the north coast of Peru, but not extraordinary rains as

those of the years 1983, 1998 or 2017.

It is expected that until Januarty the warm of two Kelvin waves

in the eastern equatorial Pacific contributes to the increase in

temperature and sea level anomalies on the northern coast of

Peru.

Table 1. Estimated probabilities of the magnitude of El Niño - La

Niña in the eastern Pacific, which includes the northern coast

of Peru, in the summer of December 2018 - March 2019.

Table 2. Estimated probabilities of the El Niño - La Niña magnitudes in the central Pacific in the summer of December 2018 - March 2019.

ENFEN Official Statement

Probability of

Occurrence

Table 1

December 2018 - March 2019

Strong – extraordinary el Niño 0%

Moderate el Niño 9%

Weak el Niño 58%

Neutral 33%

Weak la Niña 0%

Moderate- strong la Niña 0%

Probability of

Occurrence

Table 2

December—March

Strong – very strong el Niño 1%

Moderate el Niño 23%

Weak el Niño 60%

Neutral 16%

Weak la Niña 0%

Moderate- strong la Niña 0%

https://www.sustainablefish.org/News/SFP-releases-2018-reduction-fisheries-report

https://www.akerbiomarine.com/news/antarctic-krill-fishery-again-awarded-sustainability-a-rating

NEWS IN BRIEF


TASA has named its new commercial director, Louis Rens, the

former commercial director at

Tecnofil (2013 – 2018), a

Peruvian metals company, and

head of sales for Pratt &

Whitney (2010 – 2013), an

American aerospace manufac-

turer. Rens will be successor to Gustavo Ferreyros in the senior

post. Rens, who has more than 20 years of experience in

business to business technology development and sales

leadership roles, will start for TASA on Dec. 3.

The company began undertaking major changes earlier this

year as part of a strategic plan to boost its profitability,

including a management reshuffle and staffing cuts. In July, it

assigned economist Gonzalo Caceres the role of leading its new

oil and direct human consumption business unit. Caceres had

been an assistant manager from 2012 to 2016. Source:

Undercurrent News

The three-year commitment shows Aller Aqua’s continued

dedication to African aquaculture. To continuously support the

development and growth of

aquaculture in Africa, Aller Aqua

are proud to be founding sponsors

of the African Chapter of the

World Aquaculture Society (WAS).

In recent years Aller Aqua has

grown significantly in the African

markets. This has happened based on the company’s “Let’s

grow together approach” paired with the quality of the feed,

the results the feed creates for customers and not least

dedicated staffs and knowledgesharing.

“It is important for us to continue to have a positive impact on

aquaculture globally. Aquaculture is experiencing significant

growth, particularly in Africa, and it is vital to support initiatives

which help ensure that growth of aquaculture is facilitated all

over Africa. This is done through research as well as sharing

knowledge. Besides our own activities, we can help achieve this

through our support of the WAS African Chapter and their

efforts. I am pleased that the WAS have chosen to focus on

aquaculture in Africa and through the African Chapter

recognize the large diversity on the continent. We experience it

when meeting with customers from the various African

countries” Niels Lundgaard, Commercial Director for Africa

explains.

On the African continent Aller Aqua have factories in both Egypt

and Zambia. CEO of Aller Aqua Egypt, Hussien Mansour, is also

positive about the cooperation: “It is good to see the focus

African aquaculture is experiencing. We see the growth first

hand when talking to customers and we experience a great

interest in our feeds. This has enabled us to double our

production facilities. The African Chapter of the WAS will

increase focus and capabilities within the sector, as well as

ensure further spread of an environmentally friendly method of

producing protein for our growing population.” Source: Aller

Aqua

Marine Harvest Scotland: A government committee report on

salmon farming provides recommendations that will help guide

responsible growth to satisfy growing demand for its products.

After months of drawing on formal evidence from 160 sources,

the Scottish Parliament’s

Rural Economy and

Connectivity (REC)

Committee report on salmon

farming released 65

recommendations regarding

numerous sector impacts including economic, social, food

supply, workforce development, market access, fish health and

environment.

“While acknowledging the economic and food contribution the

salmon farming sector provides, the committee recommends

several important regulatory improvements that will help guide

responsible growth of our business,” says Ben Hadfield, Marine

Harvest’s managing director.

The company notes that the Committee’s response to some

stakeholder’s submissions calling for a moratorium was very

clear: “there is insufficient evidence to support this”. “We are

pleased to see the Committee’s appreciation for salmon

farming’s contribution to our domestic and export foods, and

the sustainability of rural communities,” says Hadfield. “We also

acknowledge, and agree with, the Committee’s statement that

the future of the sector’s regulatory regime will not be the

‘status quo’. We would expect our regulatory system to

advance along with and, in fact, lead sector development.”

“As the recent Coller FAIRR Index ranked salmon aquaculture

companies in the top ten of the largest global animal protein

producers for sustainability (Marine Harvest #2), our business

has much to be proud of, and our efficient use of resources to

grow a healthy food is well established and should be

BUSINESS

https://www.undercurrentnews.com/2018/11/16/peruvian-fishmeal-giant-tasa-names-new-commercial-director-to-replace-ferreyros/

NEWS IN BRIEF


celebrated. But like all farming, we have our challenges that

need to be addressed, and focus on reducing negative impacts

should remain top priority for the business and its regulators.”

Marine Harvest is specifically pleased to see recommendations

for continued improvement to: consumer education, data

reporting, organic waste management, fish health, monitoring

and regulatory enforcement, workforce development and

housing, strategic siting guidance, science funding, and

collaboration between farmed and wild fish sectors. Source:

Marine Harvest Scotland

Skretting is ready to launch its new and improved integrated

concept for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), called

RecircReady. From the firm it was pointed out that the concept

takes into account growth and waste prediction models,

nutrient recycling, fish and system health monitoring in addition

to tailored feed solutions and their impact on the systems

themselves.

The technology incorporated into RAS allows for close

supervision of waste and

effluents, while tighter

control over water quality

and isolation from the

external environment can

help avoid biological risks. At the same time, RAS provides the

opportunity to greatly enhance feed management and scope to

facilitate consistent growth rates throughout the production

cycle.

Developed by the Skretting Aquaculture Research Centre (ARC)

through extensive trials at its research facilities in Norway and

Italy, Skretting’s dedicated feeds incorporate specific patented

functional ingredients that bind faecal matter. In RAS this

means it is easier to filter and remove solid waste particles,

resulting in cleaner water and a healthier system. “Skretting

continues to lead advancements in this space. Our primary aim

is to help farmers produce more fish in a more cost-effective

and sustainable manner,” says Dr Ingunn Stubhaug, Researcher

at Skretting ARC. Source: FIS

BUSINESS

Thailand is set to become the first country in Asia to ratify the

Work in Fishing Convention C188, which sets basic standards for

work in the fishing industry. Thailand’s National Legislative

Assembly voted last week to

ratify the convention, and

without further opposition it

should be in place January

next year.

Thailand’s fishing fleet has,

in recent decades, been the

scene of slavery, brutal

physical abuse, human trafficking and even murder of

vulnerable migrant workers. Failure to act against these

criminal operators led to global notoriety for Thailand’s seafood

sector.

By setting international standards for decent work in the fishing

industry, the International Labour Organisation’s Work in

Fishing Convention (C188) is designed to eradicate these

practices.

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), which has been

advising the Thai government on the issues since 2013,

applauded the progress and urged Thailand to keep up the

momentum for reform, to protect fishers and Thailand’s

international reputation. The EJF alleges that industry

representatives such as the National Fisheries Association of

Thailand have been using aggressive and disruptive tactics to

derail legislative reforms in a bid to avoid the regulation.

Thailand has a fleet of approximately 11,000 commercial fishing

vessels, and there are an estimated 4.5 million migrant workers

in Thailand with 222,000 workers in the seafood processing

sector and approximately 129,000 workers on board fishing

vessels. These workers represent a significant portion of

Thailand’s workforce and are operating in one of the most

dangerous professions in the world yet are still not granted the

same rights as Thai domestic workers.

Source: Maritime Executive

The governments of Peru and China signed a memorandum

agreeing to begin negotiations for the boost of the Free Trade

Agreement (FTA), a process that will begin in the first half of

2019. The settlement of the document was in charge of

Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru Rogers Valencia,

and Chinese Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan, in the

framework of the Ministerial Meeting of the APEC Forum, held

COUNTRY

https://www.marineharvestscotland.co.uk/2018/11/27/marine-harvest-pleased-to-see-committee-recommendations-encouraging-regulatory-updates/


https://maritime-executive.com/article/thailand-leads-asia-to-ratify-work-in-fishing-convention

NEWS IN BRIEF


in the town of Puerto Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Minister Rogers Valencia stressed that the boosting process

seeks to maximize the benefits of the FTA with China. "We are

confident that there is

ample potential to improve

bilateral trade and

investment flows between

our countries," he said. In

this sense, he indicated, it

was determined to include

new chapters in the

agreement referring to

Electronic Commerce and Competition.

It was also agreed to update existing chapters, such as Trade

Facilitation and Procedures Related to Origin, with a view to

facilitating procedures and improving customs operations; as

well as Services and some issues related to Intellectual

Property, such as traditional knowledge. In this line, the

minister said that trade between Peru and China has grown

considerably; however, he added, both countries agree on the

importance of updating this commercial agreement. Source: FIS

Indonesia: A new aquaculture management guide from

Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), Conservation Interna-

tional, and the University of California Santa Barbara’s

Sustainable Fisheries Group provides zonal management best

practices for seafood farmers seeking the most environmentally

sustainable operations. The guide – Best Practices for

Aquaculture Management: guidance for implementing the

ecosystem approach in Indonesia and beyond – was released

today and is available online.

The guide provides three best practices in aquaculture

management, as suggested by the Food and Agriculture

Organization’s Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture: 1) spatial

planning and zoning, 2) waterbody carrying capacity limits, and

3) aquaculture disease management areas. The guidance

applies to seafood farming worldwide and uses Indonesia – a

major aquaculture producer with ambitious aquaculture

development goals – as a case study for implementation.

“Typically, aquaculture development and management have

largely focused on siting, licensing, and monitoring at the farm

level,” the guide’s authors wrote in an executive summary.

“This perspective fails to acknowledge that aquaculture

industries are dependent on public resources (namely water

and space) and are tightly coupled to the surrounding

ecosystems in which they operate. Even if a farm is operating at

the highest level of performance, it is at risk if neighbouring

farms or industries have poor environmental practices.”

The guide includes actionable recommendations for both

industry and government institutions that set policies in

aquaculture producing areas. In particular, supply chain

stakeholders are encouraged to work more closely with farmers

and governments to initiate and support coordinated

management practices to reduce environmental impacts and

disease risks. Source: SFP

COUNTRY

Fish oil combined with protein may reduce lower body muscle

soreness, reduce fatigue and maintain lower-body power over a

longer period, a sports exercise study concludes. Rugby Union

players, who ingested equal amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid

(EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) mixed with a protein-

based drink noted these benefits to muscle recovery between

training sessions.

These benefits were also observed in match play performance,

especially when the period between matches was short. In

commenting on how players’ careers are defined by their

performance Dr Katherine Black, lead study author and senior

lecturer at the University of Otago in New Zealand said,

“Muscle soreness can have severe consequences for perfor-

mance, so if we can help to reduce soreness then we can help to

improve performance.”

Over five weeks of pre-season training, 20 professional Rugby

Union players completed a 5-point-Likert soreness scale

assessment with 5 indicating “no soreness” and a questionnaire

assessing fatigue, sleep, stress and mood each morning of

training, The players also performed countermovement jump

(CMJ) tests once or twice per week.

“In terms of practical relevance, the moderate beneficial effect

of adding fish oil to a protein-based supplement on muscle

soreness translated into the better maintenance of explosive

power in elite Rugby Union players during pre-season training,”

the study concluded.

The research team speculate that the beneficial effect of fish oil

RESEARCH

https://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&id=100339&ndb=1&utm_source=Global+Organization+for+EPA+and+DHA+Omega-3s+List&utm_campaign=a7608b46ed-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_21_05_26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_88a4a45d44-a7608b46ed-407051333

https://www.sustainablefish.org/News/SFP-Conservation-International-and-UCSB-release-new-best-practices-for-aquaculture-management-guide


NEWS IN BRIEF

ingestion was mediated, at

least in part, by the

modification of the 3-

series eicosanoids, 3-

series prostaglandins and

5-series leukotriene.

“The 3-series eicosanoids

exhibit lower inflammatory

properties than the 2- series eicosanoids (PGE2, 4-series

leukotriene) and are proposed to decrease the inflammatory

response to exercise and attenuate muscle soreness,” the study

concluded. Source: Nutra Ingredients

Auburn University’s Aquaponics Working Group has conducted

research on multi-trophic aquaculture intended as a re-tasking

process of production by-products from catfish or tilapia to

fertilize plants or to feed another aquatic species. The team of

scientists explains that

fish waste naturally

produces high

concentrations of

nitrogen that can be

used to fertilize a variety

of plants and feels

confident that this

approach helps to conserve nutrient resource inputs in feeding

fish while still yielding maximum farming returns over a limited

acreage.

“Fish are very efficient animals, but even they keep only about

25% of the feed they take in, turning it into fish biomass. It

excretes the remainder of the nutrients in some form or

another. That nutrient investment has value in whatever form

we can capture. If we throw it away, we are literally throwing

money away and then we have to pay an environmental price,”

states Jesse Chappell, a member of the group and associate

professor and Alabama Extension specialist in the College of

Agriculture’s School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic

Sciences.

The new approach includes two production platforms that are

hydraulically connected through the water system. The fish are

fed, absorbing as much of the feed nutrients as possible and

transforming the feed investment into fish biomass.

As a next step, the waste solids are processed within a part of

the fish production system and warm water enriched with a

good concentration of nitrates is brought over, which is what

the plants need, which makes economic sense because so many

cost points can be eliminated, since everything can be done on

one tract of land to fully capture and re-task the investment

made in nutrients, water and energy.

“Using an Auburn-developed technology, we’d take the

slaughter plant waste and turn it into fish meal, with no odor

nor wastewater,” he said. “It’s a flash-drying technology that

turns discarded processing waste into dry meal in about two

minutes. We can sell or use that fish meal.” Source: FIS

Recently released scientific reports available on Science Direct:

Sardine (Sardinella spp.) protein hydrolysate as growth promoter

in South American catfish (Rhamdia quelen) feeding: Productive

performance, digestive enzymes activity, morphometry and

intestinal microbiology

The sardine protein hydrolysate improved productive

performance and nutritional efficiency for South American

catfish;

The inclusion of sardine protein hydrolysate promoted the

growth of Lactobacillus sp.;

This result in intestinal microbiology is unprecedented in in

vivoexperiments and indicates a prebiotic effect of sardine

protein hydrolysate.

Effects of dietary oxidized fish oil on growth performance,

antioxidant defense system, apoptosis and mitochondrial

function of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Dietary oxidized fish oil disordered the function of

mitochondria and impaired the energy metabolism of

largemouth bass.

Dietary oxidized fish oil increased the lipid peroxidation,

impaired the antioxidant system of Largemouth bass.

Dietary oxidized fish oil induced the apoptosis of Largemouth

bass.

Assessment and communication of the toxicological risk of

consuming shrimp in the EU

Fewer RASFF alerts compared to increased supply over the

lifetime of the alerts system suggests reduced consumption

risk.

The coverage in the mainstream media has generally

reflected the level of risk of consuming farmed shrimp

Social media and internet sources repeat established

narratives that perpetuate a bad image of imported farmed

aquatic produce

RASFF system is not representative of products available to

consumers and therefore not adequate to establish ADIs

RESEARCH

https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2018/11/21/Fish-oil-protein-supplementation-may-boost-rugby-performance-recovery-Study


https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0044848617319439?dgcid=raven_sd_via_email







https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004484861830930X?dgcid=raven_sd_via_email

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004484861830930X?dgcid=raven_sd_via_email

CALENDAR


2019

16 January IntraFish event: Women in

Seafood San Diego, U.S.A.

7-11 March Aquaculture 2019 New Orleans, U.S.A.

17-19 March Seafood Expo North America Boston, U.S.A.

22-23 March IFFO/JCI Fishmeal and Fish Oil

Forum Wuzhen City, China

2-4 May IFFO Members’ Meeting Madrid, Spain

7-9 May Seafood Global Expo Brussels, Belgium

26-27 September 15th JCI Autumn Conference Southwest China's Nanning City

Contact Us

IFFO, Unit C, Printworks, 22 Amelia Street London, SE17 3BZ, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)2030 539 195 Fax: +44 (0)2030 539 196

e-mail: [email protected] www.iffo.net

https://www.intrafish.events/ehome/index.php?eventid=200182861&

https://www.intrafish.events/ehome/index.php?eventid=200182861&

http://www.was.org/meetings/default.aspx?code=AQ2019

https://www.seafoodexpo.com/north-america/

https://www.seafoodexpo.com/global/

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December 2018 Issue 311 - IFFO

Documents