Global fishmeal and fish oil production showed some improvement in August, but the latest data from the Marine Ingredients Organization (IFFO) indicate that overall 2026 supply remains significantly below last year’s levels.
According to IFFO, fishmeal production among the countries covered by its member data was 45% below the same period in 2025 through August, while fish oil production was down 26%. August itself was stronger, with Chile, Spain and the United States recording notably higher raw-material intake than a year earlier.
The longer-term outlook remains a concern for the aquaculture industry. IFFO expects global fishmeal production in 2026 to fall below 4.6 million metric tons, which would be the lowest level since 2016. Global fish oil production could also decline to approximately 1.15 million metric tons, also approaching a decade low.
A major factor is continued uncertainty surrounding Peru’s anchovy fishery. Peru accounts for approximately 20% of global fishmeal and fish oil production, and IFFO expects warming coastal waters associated with El Niño to remain a potential constraint on anchovy catches.
What this means for California aquaculture
Fishmeal and fish oil remain important ingredients in many aquaculture feeds, particularly because of their nutritional value and role in supporting growth, health and feed efficiency. A sustained reduction in global marine-ingredient supplies could create additional pressure on feed formulation, ingredient sourcing and feed costs.
For California producers, the latest figures reinforce the importance of monitoring global feed markets and maintaining flexibility in sourcing and feed strategies. The August improvement is encouraging, but the broader 2026 supply picture suggests that marine ingredients could remain a significant consideration for aquaculture businesses heading into 2027.
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