DANS LES MAILLES DU FILET

The report finds that French supermarkets are largely failing to address the unsustainable nature of 'fed aquaculture,' which relies heavily on wild-caught fish meal and fish oil (FMFO). While some retailers like Auchan, Carrefour, and Système U acknowledge the issue, few have firm commitments to eliminate FMFO. The study highlights a systemic lack of transparency in labeling and supply chains, and criticizes the industry's reliance on certifications (such as ASC and MSC) that do not guarantee the absence of wild-fish inputs or ensure animal welfare. It specifically identifies major producers like Mowi and Lerøy as key suppliers to French retail, noting their links to problematic sourcing in Peru and West Africa.

• The aquaculture industry is heavily dependent on wild-caught fish, with approximately 15 million tonnes of wild fish used annually to produce fish meal and fish oil (FMFO), representing nearly 20% of total global catches.
• A significant portion of FMFO is derived from fish that could be used for direct human consumption; it is estimated that 90% of fish destined for FMFO could feed people directly.
• French retail performance is described as disappointing compared to other European markets like the UK and Germany, with only three of the eight major chains (Auchan, Carrefour, and Système U) having an objective to reduce FMFO use.
• The report argues that current certification systems (MSC, ASC, and MarinTrust) are insufficient as they do not exclude the use of wild fish in feed or guarantee animal welfare.
• Major global salmon producers Mowi and Lerøy, who supply French retailers including Carrefour, Auchan, and Système U, source significant amounts of fish oil from problematic regions such as Mauritania and Peru.
• Animal welfare in aquaculture is severely compromised by high population densities and stressful handling, with some Scottish salmon farms reporting mortality rates of 13.5% in 2019.
• Consumer transparency is hindered by poor labeling; the term 'farmed' is often barely visible or absent, and there is no information regarding the use of FMFO in the feed of animals sold in supermarkets.
• The report identifies the krill industry as a growing but risky alternative to FMFO, noting that industrial krill fishing in the Southern Ocean may harm penguin populations and is threatened by regional warming.

APA

Changing Markets Foundation (2021). DANS LES MAILLES DU FILET. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CMF-WEB-LIGHTWEIGHT-FRENCH-REPORT-DANS-LES-MAILLES-DU-FILET-copy.pdf

Chicago

Changing Markets Foundation. DANS LES MAILLES DU FILET. 2021. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CMF-WEB-LIGHTWEIGHT-FRENCH-REPORT-DANS-LES-MAILLES-DU-FILET-copy.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Changing Markets Foundation |title=DANS LES MAILLES DU FILET |date=May 2021 |url=https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CMF-WEB-LIGHTWEIGHT-FRENCH-REPORT-DANS-LES-MAILLES-DU-FILET-copy.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{changingmarketsfoundation2021dans, author = {{Changing Markets Foundation}}, title = {{DANS LES MAILLES DU FILET}}, institution = {Changing Markets Foundation}, year = {2021}, month = may, url = {https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CMF-WEB-LIGHTWEIGHT-FRENCH-REPORT-DANS-LES-MAILLES-DU-FILET-copy.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }