BioMar helps Musholm cut blue whiting in aquafeed by 52.94%

DENMARK – BioMar is supporting Danish trout producer Musholm in targeting a 52.94% reduction in the use of marine raw materials derived from blue whiting by 2029 through its Blue IMPACT aquafeed programme.

The target uses 2025 as the baseline and is part of new nature targets developed by Musholm through its participation in the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) Ocean Hub pilot project.

BioMar’s Blue IMPACT programme will enable Musholm to monitor and document changes in marine raw material sourcing and other environmental impacts associated with its feed supply chain.

Musholm said its nature targets address impacts and dependencies across the value chain, including pressure on wild fish stocks, marine habitat restoration and biodiversity protection.

By 2031, the trout producer aims to further reduce its reliance on marine raw materials from wild-caught fish by increasing the use of circular and alternative ingredients.

Progress will be monitored through BioMar’s sustainability analyses and the Blue Food Performance FIFO tool.

BioMar links feed sourcing to nature targets

Musholm will also work with BioMar and other partners through Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) to support responsible fisheries management and improve the supply chains providing marine ingredients for aquaculture feed.

“Feed plays a crucial role, and through our work with raw materials, traceability, and feed formulation, we can develop solutions that consider the customer’s specific nature and sustainability requirements,” said Anders Brandt-Clausen of BioMar.

The companies will also strengthen traceability, monitoring and mitigation measures in selected fisheries in the North Sea and South America by 2029.

These fisheries supply marine raw materials for aquaculture feed, with the work focused on managing risks to endangered, vulnerable and protected species.

The targets extend beyond feed ingredients. Musholm plans to reduce the use of net impregnation at its three aquaculture farms each year through 2030 and contribute to the Great Belt Marine Nature Restoration Project.

The project aims to restore and protect 42 hectares of rock reefs and 14 hectares of blue mussel reefs by the end of 2029.

Musholm CEO Thorbjørn Harkamp said the company aims to address environmental impacts both at its farms and in the regions supplying ingredients for its feed.

BioMar said Blue IMPACT is designed to help aquaculture producers reduce their environmental footprint through targeted raw material sourcing, lower-carbon ingredients and greater use of circular and restorative raw materials.

The company estimates that aquafeed can account for up to 80% of the environmental impacts associated with aquaculture production, making feed formulation and raw material sourcing important areas for reducing the sector’s footprint.

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