Challenges and opportunities of replacing fish oil with camelina oil in Canada

Camelina is a newly established, sustainable dedicated oilseed crop in Canada, recognized for its high oil content and ability to thrive in cold and arid climates. Researchers at the lab scale have investigated the potential of replacing fish oil with camelina oil in the feed for salmon, trout, and cod. However, the commercialization of camelina as a feedstock for aquafeed applications will required a more comprehensive feasibility analysis, incorporating both sustainability and adoption considerations integrating different sectors. This study analyzes the challenges and opportunities for camelina supply chain development in Canada for fish applications incorporating the results from a survey. A market survey of camelina oil utilization for aquaculture as a replacement for fish oil was sent to Canadian aquafeed manufactures and traders. The survey indicated 50% of survey participants believed there was need to replace fish oil with plant-based ingredients. Fish health, abundant Canadian marine sources, and environmental impact were main concerns that prevented some participants to select plant-based feedstuff as alternatives. Half of respondents would accept genetically modified camelina oil if it could enhance its omega-3 fatty acid content to provide similar nutrients to fish oil when compared to non-GM camelina oil. Regulations and licensing, the end-use market, and aquafeed manufacturers were stated to have the highest challenges in supply chain development of camelina aquafeed ingredient, while oilseed crushing and harvesting/collection/storage sectors were considered to have less challenges. “The fish health and growth performance” was perceived as the most important factor to affect the commercialization of camelina oil in the aquafeed industry, followed by “fish taste and consumer acceptance”, and “the increasing cost of fish oil and meal.