In 2020, government inspectors in Goa, India, visited United Marine Products to investigate its wastewater disposal methods. The factory, known for producing fish meal, had been accused by locals of causing pollution. The inspectors found that the plant had resorted to illegal disposal by drilling bore holes behind the facility, leading to groundwater contamination and health issues among villagers and livestock.
The plant owner denied any wrongdoing, but investigations revealed a connection to seafood consumers in Canada through supplying Skretting, a significant feed producer for fish farms in Canada. The Outlaw Ocean Project’s extensive five-year investigation uncovered various social and environmental impacts associated with producing feed, such as job losses, chemical exposure, worker fatalities, and protests due to factory odors.
The investigation highlighted that popular farmed seafood in Canada, including salmon and trout, relies on fish meal made from wild fish, contradicting claims of sustainability by the aquaculture industry. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reported that over half of global seafood consumption comes from fish farms, driving the demand for fish meal and oil globally.
Despite efforts to reduce reliance on fish meal, the aquaculture industry continues to face challenges. Companies in Canada have made strides in sustainability, but the increasing demand for farmed seafood contributes to the need for fish meal. The Outlaw Ocean Project’s investigation also revealed issues in Canadian fish meal processing plants linked to pollution and unsustainable practices.
The investigation further exposed the social and environmental impacts faced by countries supplying fish meal to Canada. Instances of pollution, worker fatalities, and ethical violations in the supply chain were documented. Skretting Canada, a major feed supplier, has initiated an investigation to address these issues and ensure compliance with regulations. Other major brands implicated in the report have yet to respond to inquiries regarding their practices.
