A report published on September 3 by the non-governmental organization Changing Markets, in partnership with the University of British Columbia, suggests that nearly half of the fish caught globally could be used to feed farmed fish within 15 years. The study highlights that if aquaculture—fish farming—increases its production by 75 percent by 2040, as predicted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), almost half of all wild-caught fish will be used to make animal feed, especially for farmed salmon and shrimp. This shift could significantly impact global fisheries and the communities that depend on them. While aquaculture is often promoted as a sustainable alternative to overfishing, the report suggests it may instead contribute to the problem. Tara Ganesh, campaign manager at Changing Markets, explains that farmed salmon, for example, still requires fish-based feed, and the industry is increasing pressure on already overexploited fish populations. This is especially evident with small, oily fish like anchovies and sardines, which are commonly used in fishmeal. In West Africa, fishing and processing these species have led to significant socio-economic challenges, including job losses and reduced access to food. Fishmeal production facilities, which process wild-caught fish into feed for farmed species, have also been criticized for environmental and social harm. Neighbors of these factories often report pollution of air and water, which can harm local ecosystems and human health. Additionally, these facilities compete with local populations for resources. A previous Changing Markets analysis found that the amount of fish processed into feed in West Africa each year could feed 33 million people, yet it is mostly consumed by people in wealthier countries. The NGO is concerned that the United Nations’ strategy on aquaculture does not include measures to prevent the overuse of resources. They warn that without such safeguards, the strategy could lead to the expansion of farming the most resource-intensive fish species, which would exacerbate existing environmental and social challenges. The report calls for a more balanced approach that considers both the needs of global food security and the sustainability of marine ecosystems.