Summary
This review examines insect-based proteins as sustainable alternatives to fishmeal in aquaculture feeds, addressing environmental and economic pressures from wild-capture fisheries. The authors evaluate the nutritional potential, regulatory status, and demonstrated effects of insect ingredients on fish growth, immunity, and product quality, whilst acknowledging challenges around chitin digestibility and the need for standardised substrates and cross-country regulatory harmonisation. The review concludes that insects offer promising pathways toward environmentally sustainable aquaculture systems with improved economic and production outcomes.
Regional applicability
The findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom aquaculture, as the review references evolving European Union legislation that now permits certain insect species in aquafeeds. However, the authors note that regulations require further standardisation across member states and clearer approval criteria for insect-rearing substrates, suggesting current UK practice may benefit from the standardisation recommendations but faces similar regulatory gaps.
Key measures
Fish growth performance, feed utilisation efficiency, immune system function, disease susceptibility, flesh quality, nutrient bioavailability, and chitin content of insect-based feeds
Outcomes reported
The review evaluated the potential of insect-based raw materials in aquaculture feeds and their effects on fish growth, feed utilisation, immunological response, disease resistance, and product quality. It assessed the nutritional composition, sustainability benefits, and regulatory framework for integrating insects as protein sources in aquatic feeds.
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