F3 is launching a new global competition, the F3 Fish Farm Challenge, which will reward fish farms that shift to marine animal–free feeds. The initiative seeks to enhance feed supply chain resilience and future-proof fish farming operations by encouraging the use of innovative alternatives.
A total of $200,000 USD in cash prizes will be awarded to four top-performing farms. Prizes will go to those that sell the most carnivorous finfish raised on marine animal-free feeds, with two separate contest tracks available for entry:
- A two-year contest that rewards farms already producing and selling carnivorous finfish on feeds free of marine animal ingredients.
- A four-year contest that rewards farms embarking on new feed and farming innovations and those raising slower-growing finfish species.
Registration for both contest tracks opens on 16 September.
“By incentivising farms to innovate, the F3 Fish Farm Challenge reduces pressure on wild fish stocks while building a more resilient and sustainable farmed seafood system for the future. Amid growing supply chain uncertainties, this contest offers an opportunity to future-proof farm operations by developing strong, sustainable feed contingency plans,” said F3 judge Kevin Fitzsimmons, professor at the University of Arizona, in a press release.
The challenge is open to farms producing carnivorous finfish on marine animal–free feeds. The prize money will be awarded to the registered farm, which may team up with feed companies, ingredient suppliers, or other partners. To qualify, farmers must use marine animal-free diets beginning no later than the fingerling stage, though they may start earlier. Full contest rules are available on their website.
Dependence on wild fisheries
Aquaculture now supplies over half of the world’s seafood and plays a vital role in meeting the world’s protein needs. However, many popular seafood choices – such as salmon – still rely heavily on diets that contain wild-caught marine ingredients like fishmeal, fish oil and krill.
According to F3, many wild-capture fisheries are at or beyond sustainable limits, driving up feed costs and threatening production stability. The 2023 closure of the Peruvian anchoveta season is a clear example of how quickly these disruptions can ripple through the industry. Reliance on wild-caught marine animal ingredients is a weak link in the aquaculture supply chain, putting its growth and global seafood security at risk, while also affecting vital marine ecosystems.
The F3 Challenge fosters innovation to reduce reliance on wild-caught marine ingredients in aquafeed. By incentivising the development and adoption of nutritionally equivalent alternatives, the Challenge helps accelerate industry change toward more resilient, diversified and environmentally responsible seafood production.
