Anchovy processing plant for non-human consumption in Peru.
Photo: Produce.
IFFO, The Marine Ingredients Organisation, has published its latest outlook on the global marine ingredients market, emphasizing once again that Peru's first anchoveta fishing season remains the key factor shaping supply and price trends worldwide.
This time, Peru's anchoveta fishing season has progressed slowly due to the high presence of juvenile fish and the management measures introduced as a result, amid ongoing Coastal El Niño conditions, IFFO alerted.
Regarding this, Market Research Director at IFFO, Enrico Bachis explained: "A new extended fishing ban was imposed in the north centre of the country on 27 May, as warm water and high juvenile presence suggest a precautionary management of the anchovy biomass. The new ban will be running until 10 June."
In addition, Chile continues to report cumulative catches and fishmeal production well below last year’s levels, despite the strong contribution of its salmon industry. In contrast, the US Gulf menhaden fishery has started better than last year, and the Atlantic fishing season is scheduled to begin in June.
Finally, blue whiting fishing activity has eased sharply as the main fishing season winds down in Iceland and Norway. At the same time, Denmark continues to report weak sand eel and sprat fisheries.
Meanwhile, China reported higher fishmeal and fish oil production in the first four months of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. IFFO attributed the increase to tight supply and improving demand. During these months, aquafeed sales were mainly supported by existing stocks of fish and shrimp already in the ponds.
However, June and July are expected to be the most difficult months of the year for specialized aquaculture species, due to higher feed ingredient costs and elevated compound feed prices.
