Fishing for Catastrophe

The report argues that the production of fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) for aquaculture is precipitating the collapse of fish stocks and undermining food security in developing nations. Through field investigations in India, Vietnam, and Gambia, it documents the use of juvenile fish and non-target species, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the diversion of human-grade fish to animal feed. The document identifies links between these unsustainable practices and major European retailers and global aquafeed companies, while criticizing the Marine Ingredients Organization (IFFO) for conflicts of interest in its certification processes. It recommends a transition to sustainable feed alternatives and the elimination of wild-caught fish in aquaculture feeds.

• In India, FMFO plants monetize the capture of juvenile fish and non-target species, leading to ecosystem imbalances and the collapse of traditional stocks like sardines.
• In Vietnam, significant under-reporting of catches and unauthorized transshipment at sea allow overfishing to continue unchecked, with fishers in Vùng Tâu reporting record low catches in 2018.
• In Gambia, the FMFO industry has grown rapidly, with a single plant accounting for approximately 40% of the country's total declared fish catches in 2016, much of which is exported to China via Vietnam to bypass food safety controls.
• The Marine Ingredients Organization (IFFO) is described as unfit to be a certification body due to a conflict of interest, as it functions as both a trade organization and a certifier for the FMFO sector.

APA

Changing Markets Foundation (2019). Fishing for Catastrophe. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CM-EX-SUMMARY-FRENCH-FINAL-WEB-FISHING-FOR-CATASTROPHE-2019-.pdf

Chicago

Changing Markets Foundation. Fishing for Catastrophe. 2019. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CM-EX-SUMMARY-FRENCH-FINAL-WEB-FISHING-FOR-CATASTROPHE-2019-.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Changing Markets Foundation |title=Fishing for Catastrophe |date=October 2019 |url=https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CM-EX-SUMMARY-FRENCH-FINAL-WEB-FISHING-FOR-CATASTROPHE-2019-.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{changingmarketsfoundation2019fishing, author = {{Changing Markets Foundation}}, title = {{Fishing for Catastrophe}}, institution = {Changing Markets Foundation}, year = {2019}, month = oct, url = {https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CM-EX-SUMMARY-FRENCH-FINAL-WEB-FISHING-FOR-CATASTROPHE-2019-.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }