Download - 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)
IFFO NEWS
4 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018
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
DECEMBER 2018 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ 5
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
6 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018
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.
DECEMBER 2018 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ 7
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)
8 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018
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
DECEMBER 2018 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ 9
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
10 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018
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 %
DECEMBER 2018 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ 11
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
12 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018
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
DECEMBER 2018 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ 13
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
INDUSTRY NEWS
14 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018
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
INDUSTRY NEWS
DECEMBER 2018 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ 15
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
INDUSTRY NEWS
16 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018
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
INDUSTRY NEWS
DECEMBER 2018 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ 17
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
INDUSTRY NEWS
18 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018
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
INDUSTRY NEWS
DECEMBER 2018 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ 19
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%
NEWS IN BRIEF
20 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018
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
NEWS IN BRIEF
DECEMBER 2018 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ 21
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
NEWS IN BRIEF
22 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018
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
DECEMBER 2018 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ 23
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
CALENDAR
24 ¦ IFFO UPDATE ¦ DECEMBER 2018
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