Structure of and outlook for the fish feed industry in Taiwan

Abstract

Although Taiwan has a long history of aquaculture, the industry grew rapidly especially in the last twenty years. Among all the possible factors that may have contributed to the rapid growth, the successful use of formulated feed, as an aquaculture practice, was considered one of the major factors. The development of formulated fish feed in Taiwan started in the 70s. Since then, the expansion of the feed industry paralleled that of the expansion of aquaculture products. There are over one hundred feed plants in Taiwan which are now producing fish feeds. The main ingredients of fish feed in Taiwan are relatively simple. Fish meal weighs heavily in the formulation of the feed. However, Taiwan imports nearly all of its needed fish meal from various countries. Because of the growing concern for environmental impact, considering mainly the traditional aquaculture practice in Taiwan, the government is now reevaluating its aquaculture policy. The fish feed industry shall therefore adjust itself accordingly, with an outlook for future development.