Small pelagic fish, including sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, are vital resources for many West African countries, including Senegal and Mauritania. The small pelagic fish are not only important for food security but also for economic development. However, the existing practices in the small pelagic fish value chain in these countries raise concerns about sustainability and the impact on the marine ecosystem. This underlines the importance of adopting global standards for the fishmeal and fish oil industry to improve the current practices and ensure the future of these fish resources. In this post, we will discuss the current practices in the small pelagic fish value chain in Senegal and Mauritania and highlight the need for global standards to improve the industry's sustainability.
1. Small pelagic fish, such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, are vital resources for West African countries like Senegal and Mauritania, providing both food security and economic development opportunities.
2. Current practices in the small pelagic fish value chain in Senegal and Mauritania raise concerns about sustainability and the impact on the marine ecosystem.
3. Adopting global standards for the fishmeal and fish oil industry is crucial to improve current practices and ensure the future of these fish resources.
4. Global standards provide a comprehensive framework that addresses various aspects of production, including fishing methods, processing techniques, and quality control.
5. Adherence to these standards promotes industry sustainability, while also protecting fish stocks, conserving the marine ecosystem, and enhancing transparency and traceability for consumers.
Around 40% of the catches of small pelagic fish in West Africa are processed into fishmeal and fish oil for the aquaculture and livestock feed industries.
In order to ensure sustainable and responsible practices in the small pelagic fish value chain in Senegal and Mauritania, it is vital to adhere to the global standards set by the fishmeal and fish oil industry. These standards provide a comprehensive framework that addresses various aspects of production, such as fishing methods, processing techniques, and quality control. By aligning with these globally recognized standards, stakeholders can ensure the long-term viability of the industry while also promoting the conservation of fish stocks and protecting the marine ecosystem. Moreover, upholding these standards enhances transparency and traceability, allowing consumers to make informed choices about the origin and sustainability of the fish products they consume.