Global Fishmeal Output Drops 49% Amid El Niño-Linked Disruptions

Global fishmeal production plummeted by 49% in the first seven months of 2026 due to El Niño-related disruptions in Peru and Chile, key suppliers. The shortfall also affected fish oil output, with a 30% decline over the same period.

The impact was particularly pronounced because Peru accounts for around 20% of global fishmeal and fish oil production. Its first North-Central anchoveta season was repeatedly interrupted by fishing closures linked to warm water and high juvenile fish presence.

Only a quarter of the set quota of 1.91 million tonnes had been caught when fishing was suspended on June 10, contributing to the overall shortfall.