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Feed formulation is one of the most important tools to advance the sustainability, health, and efficiency of farmed salmon production. And like the fish itself, feed is complex — with no one-size-fits-all solution. 

Replicating Salmon's Natural Diet

Like humans, salmon require a varied and balanced diet. Atlantic salmon are naturally carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans in the wild. In aquaculture, feed is designed to replicate this nutritional profile, using a blend of ingredients from both marine and land-based sources. 

Unique Role of Marine Ingredients

Marine ingredients like fishmeal and fish oil play an important role in fish diets. Whether wild or farmed, these foods provide salmon with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that support optimal health, immunity, and development.  

Responsible use of marine ingredients can also result in: 

• Lower carbon footprint due to minimal transport and processing requirements 

• Lower land use than plant-based alternatives 

What’s more, these natural marine ingredients offer high digestibility, which helps reduce waste and improve feed efficiency — two key factors in responsible farming. 

Responsible Feed Sourcing

However, marine ingredients have long been an area of focus when it comes to feed sustainability. This is for good reason: sourcing decisions must be made carefully to protect wild fish populations and preserve global food security. 

While nearly 80% of marine fish landings today come from biologically sustainable stocks, that picture isn’t consistent worldwide. In regions where fisheries management is weak or absent, stock health is often poor and deteriorating. That’s why responsible sourcing — backed by strong policies and effective governance — is essential. 

Where marine ingredients are used, GSI members: 

• Are working towards ensuring 100% of marine ingredients are sourced from forage fisheries certified according to third-party certification schemes such as MSC or Marin Trust to support ocean biodiversity (track company progress in our Sustainability Report)  

• Ensure no ingredients come from illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fisheries 

• Prioritize use of by-products to reduce waste and support a more circular economy 

Innovations around novel sources of EPA and DHA are essential in maintaining high levels of omega-3s in feed while increasing feed sustainability. Both marine sources of omega-3 fatty acids like algae, and non-marine sources, increase the variety of sustainable and nutrient-rich ingredients available to farmers.


 

Raised to be Better

Feeding fish is highly complex. We recognize that there is no universal formula —each formulation must reflect the specific context of the farm, the availability of ingredients, and the nutritional needs of the fish. But the principles of responsible sourcing remain constant. By taking a holistic view of ingredient sourcing — and using tools like our ESG Feed Risk Assessment tool— GSI members are working to make feed choices that support healthy fish, healthy waters, and contribute to a more nutritious and resilient global food system. 

If you’re interested to learn more, take a look at our responsible feed efforts.