Sandeel is a key raw material in Denmark’s marine ingredients sector. It plays a central role in the wider blue food value chain, according to industry and research stakeholders gathered at a Copenhagen conference on 9 April 2026.
The message came during “A Day With Sandeel”, hosted by Danmarks Pelagiske Producentorganisation (DPPO), where scientists and industry representatives outlined the biological, economic and strategic importance of the species.
Central role in aquaculture feed
At the conference, Marine Ingredients Denmark highlighted sandeel as a core input in the production of fishmeal and fish oil. These products are widely used in aquaculture feed and are difficult to replace with other ingredients.
According to the presentation, fishmeal and fish oil offer a unique nutritional profile. They contain high-quality protein, essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), and key micronutrients. These elements support fish health, growth and feed efficiency in aquaculture.
Sustainability debate around feed ingredients
Speakers also pointed to growing challenges linked to the increasing use of plant-based feed ingredients such as soy, maize and rapeseed. These crops require land and may lead to higher CO₂ emissions and environmental pressure.
Marine ingredients were presented as part of a more resource-efficient solution. They are nutrient-dense and can reduce reliance on land-based inputs. A share of raw materials also comes from by-products and trimmings from the fish processing industry, supporting a more circular use of marine resources.
Impact of the UK sandeel fishing ban
The conference also addressed the impact of the UK ban on sandeel fishing in its waters, which has been in place since 2024. Before the closure, annual catches in the UK North Sea averaged around 66,000 tonnes.
These volumes were processed into about 13,000 tonnes of fishmeal and 3,500 tonnes of fish oil. This output supported the production of roughly 33,000 tonnes of salmon feed, leading to around 25,000 tonnes of farmed salmon and approximately 15,000 tonnes of salmon fillets.
The same supply chain also delivered marine omega-3 ingredients for human nutrition, including hundreds of tonnes of EPA and DHA annually.
Industry representatives said the figures show that the UK ban has wide-ranging effects across the blue value chain, from feed production to food supply.
Strategic importance for Denmark
Participants at the event stressed that sandeel remains a strategic resource for Denmark. They also called for a broader view of sustainability, warning that reducing fishmeal and fish oil without considering alternatives could lead to unintended environmental impacts.
DPPO said the event aimed to strengthen knowledge sharing between science and industry and support transparent, science-based management of pelagic fisheries.
Sources:
– DPPO
– Marine Ingredients Denmark