Les huiles de poissons, une ressource à protéger

Abstract

Each year more than 80 millions of tons of fish are caught in seas and oceans all over the world. 1/3 of the fish are used for the manufacturing of fish oils. Omega-3 from marine sources knows a great success on different markets (food, cosmetics, OTC…) but the natural resources of fish are going to decrease: that would restrict the supplying sources in the future. We need to find other sources: research has been intensified these last years to evaluate consequences of the partial or total replacement of fish oils by vegetable oils. But the problem is the fatty acids content which is not the same. The replacement of fish oils by vegetable oils induces a diminution of omega-3 fatty acids content, which is the characteristic of fish oils (EPA & DHA). Other alternatives to fish oils: marine resources such as micro-algae, genetic manipulation (phytoplankton); reusing of co-products (fish skin, eggs…).

Keywords

• fish oil
• omega-3
• natural resources