European Fishmeal

On a global level, Europe is producing 10% of the world's fishmeal and 20% of the world's fish oil. Fishmeal and fish oil are important marine ingredients with an increasing global demand. Used for aquaculture, human consumption and animal feeds, the products bring the important omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in to the human food chain via farmed fish and fish oil supplements.

The fishmeal and fish oil industry in Europe produces 530,000 tonnes of fishmeal and 160,000 tonnes of fish oil annually and the total value of production is approximately 1 billion €/year. Exports go to a large variety of countries. Production is based on landings of small, oily, short-lived species such as blue whiting, capelin, sand eel, Norway pout and sprat as well as by-products (trimmings) from the consumption fish processing sector.

The production sites of the European fishmeal and fish oil industry are placed in more remote coastal areas and the sector contributes to growth and development in coastal communities across Europe.

Production is based on a sustainable exploitation of resources and the sector meets the international standards and certifications applying to raw materials, production and traceability.

European Fishmeal represents producers from EU as well as non-EU countries. The member countries are Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom.

European Fishmeal and Fish Oil Producers was called EUfishmeal until March 2020.