MARKET REPORT FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2026 103 limited natural resources. Demand for these ingredients remains high, particularly in aquaculture and performance-oriented livestock systems. However, environmental factors, fisheries policies, and competition from alternative protein and lipid sources directly impact the production volumes, prices, and trade flows of these materials. This elevates fishmeal and fish oil beyond being mere feed inputs, turning them into strategic global commodities. USE OF FISHMEAL AND FISH OIL IN ANIMAL FEED Fishmeal is a high-quality protein feed ingredient, generally obtained from ingredients not consumed by humans or from by-products of fish processing. Thanks to its high digestibility and balanced amino acid profile, it supports growth and performance, particularly in young animals, and contributes to a healthier development process by supporting the immune system. Fish oil, on the other hand, is the lipid fraction separated during fishmeal production and is rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). Since these fatty acids can only be synthesized at limited levels within the animal body, they must be provided externally through feed. In addition to its high energy content, fish oil plays a vital role in animals' immune responses, cellular functions, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In aquaculture, it contributes to maintaining the natural fatty acid profiles of the fish. In conclusion, fishmeal and fish oil stand out in animal nutrition not only as sources of protein and energy but as functional feed ingredients that support animal health and enhance performance and efficiency. Adding these components to rations in balanced and correct proportions according to the species and status of the animal positively affects both production performance and final product quality. CURRENT MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH EXPECTATIONS The global fishmeal and fish oil market is emerging as a strategic growth area, driven by aquaculture and animal nutrition applications, as well as the increase in omega-3 and nutraceutical (dietary supplement) use for human nutrition. Conversely, limited ingredient supply, environmental regulations, and regional production differences complicate the market’s growth dynamics. Therefore, projections from various research organizations regarding market size and growth expectations provide important indicators that evaluate both demand expansion and supply constraints. For instance, in a recent market report by Future Market Insights (FMI), the global fishmeal and fish oil market is estimated to have reached a size of approximately USD 8.8 billion as of 2026. The report forecasts that this market will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.5%
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