Peru anchovy disruption tightens global fish oil supply

Peru’s early closure of its anchovy season and cancellation of a second season are adding pressure to global fish oil supplies and raising concern about future omega-3 availability. The disruption is pushing manufacturers, nutrition companies and aquaculture players to look harder at diversification and responsible marine management.

Why it matters: - Peru is the world’s largest producer of fish oil, so disruptions there ripple through global omega-3 supply chains. - Industry forecasts now point to global fish oil production falling to its lowest level in a decade. - Aquaculture uses about 73% of fish oil globally, so feed makers and fish farmers are especially exposed. - The supply squeeze is sharpening attention on diversification, sustainable fisheries and alternative omega-3 sources.

What happened: - Peru closed its first anchovy fishing season early after suspending it in June to protect stock, then formally closed it in August. - Just over 20% of the quota was landed in that first season. - On 16 October, PRODUCE confirmed it will not open a second season in Peru’s north-central zone this year. - The cancellations followed El Niño-related disruptions.

The details: - Peru’s National Fisheries Society said in August that a second season was unlikely. - The group has warned industrial anchovy fishing could stay halted for more than a year, until the next season planned for 2027. - Skretting Director of Sustainability and Public Affairs Leif Kjetil Skjæveland said availability has become a bigger concern than price. - He said: “Prices have gone through the roof. But that’s not so interesting, you can’t get hold of enough oil anyway.” - Aker BioMarine says the disruption underscores the need to diversify omega-3 sources and manage marine resources responsibly. - Aker BioMarine CEO Matts Johansen said securing access to essential nutrients requires a more diversified approach. - Johansen said supply-chain resilience should not rely on any single resource and should include innovation and responsible marine management.

Between the lines: - The fish oil crunch is not just a commodities story. It also affects nutrition security, especially for products used in food and supplements. - Australian dietary data cited in the release found fewer than one in four adults meet suggested long-chain omega-3 intake targets. - The release ties that gap to broader health concerns in Australia, including dementia and coronary heart disease. - Dietitian Kate Save said EPA and DHA are essential nutrients the body cannot make in sufficient amounts. - Save said omega-3s support cardiovascular health and DHA is a major structural component of the brain. - Aker BioMarine is positioning krill, algae and other alternatives as part of a broader supply mix.

What's next: - Peru’s next anchovy season is not expected until 2027, leaving the market exposed in the meantime. - Aker BioMarine says future resilience will depend on responsibly managed fisheries, Antarctic krill and alternative sources such as algae. - Ocean conservation leader Nina Jensen said Antarctic krill can help diversify supply if harvesting stays science-led and responsible. - CCAMLR is meeting in Hobart and has regulated Antarctic krill harvesting for more than 30 years. - The FAO says 100% of fish stocks assessed in Antarctic waters were biologically sustainable in its latest regional assessment. - Johansen said Aker BioMarine will continue supporting scientific monitoring, transparent oversight and the proposed Domain 1 Marine Protected Area.

The bottom line: - A weaker Peruvian anchovy season is tightening global fish oil supply and pushing the omega-3 sector toward diversification faster than before. - The supply shock is also reinforcing the case for sustainable management of marine resources, not just higher production.