Introduction

South Korea has established itself as a leader in aquaculture, with olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) standing out as its flagship species. This native flatfish is highly sought after in both domestic and international markets due to its delicate texture, mild flavor, and high nutritional value. As a result, South Korea has become the world’s largest producer and exporter of flatfish, with an annual production exceeding 46,000 metric tonnes (2022), contributing significantly to the country’s seafood economy.

Flounder aquaculture is not just a profitable industry—it is also a resource-efficient one. The by-products generated from flounder processing, including bones, fins, and trimmings, are repurposed to produce high-quality fish meal. This approach minimizes waste while creating a sustainable and valuable feed ingredient for the livestock and aquaculture industries.

The Rising Demand for Premium Fish Meal

With the global animal feed industry expanding rapidly, the demand for nutrient-rich and sustainable protein sources has never been higher. Fish meal, a widely used ingredient in poultry, swine, and aquaculture feeds, remains one of the best protein sources available due to its high digestibility, essential amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA).

Traditionally, fish meal has been sourced from wild-caught fish, primarily from Peru and Chile, the world’s leading premier fish meal suppliers. However, concerns over overfishing, environmental impact, and fluctuating supply chains have driven the need for alternative sources. This is where Korean premium fish meal stands out—it is produced from aquaculture-derived flatfish by-products, making it a more sustainable choice without compromising on quality.

Why Choose Korea’s Premium Fish Meal?

Korean fish meal is designed to meet the highest industry standards, ensuring superior nutritional value, safety, and sustainability. Below are some key features that make it an ideal choice for feed manufacturers:

1. High Nutrient Content for Optimal Feed Performance

Our fish meal is formulated to provide superior nutrition, offering:
Crude Protein: Approx. 70% (Minimum 65%) – A rich and high digestible protein source for enhanced growth in livestock and aquaculture.
Crude Fat: 14% – Supports energy requirement and enhances feed efficiency.
Essential Minerals & Amino Acids – Provides vital nutrients for animal health and performance.
Low Impurity Levels – low level of sand and silica content.

Compared to conventional fish meal sources, Korea’s premium fish meal delivers a more balanced nutrient profile, making it a cost-effective and high-performing alternative.

2. Stringent Quality Control & Safety Assurance

Ensuring product safety and compliance is a top priority. Each batch of fish meal undergoes rigorous testing and certification by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the KFIA Animal Feed Analysis Center. The testing procedures include:

Heavy Metal Analysis – Ensuring low levels of lead, mercury, and arsenic.
Pathogen Screening – Free from harmful bacteria like Salmonella spp.
Radioactivity Testing – Ensuring compliance with global food safety regulations.
Chemical Contaminant Testing – No traces of malachite green, melamine, or other prohibited substances.

With Korean regulatory standards being among the strictest in the world, our fish meal provides peace of mind for feed manufacturers looking for a safe and reliable ingredient.

3. Sustainability: A More Responsible Choice

Unlike traditional fish meal sourced from wild-caught fish, our Korean fish meal is derived from aquaculture by-products, making it a more sustainable and ethical choice. The benefits include:

Reduces pressure on wild fish stocks – No need for additional fishing, promoting marine biodiversity.
Utilizes aquaculture waste efficiently – Converting fish-processing by-products into high-value feed ingredients.
Supports circular economy principles – Minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization.

By choosing Korea’s premium fish meal, you are not only improving feed quality but also contributing to global sustainability efforts.

4. Less Contaminants with Underground Seawater Usage

South Korea’s aquaculture industry is unique in its approach to land-based fish farming, particularly for olive flounder. These farms:

Utilize high-quality underground seawater and unpolluted seawater, reducing the risk of contaminants.
Avoid exposure to industrial pollutants and heavy metals commonly found in surface waters.
Maintain controlled environments for better fish health and lower disease outbreaks.

This clean farming approach translates to cleaner and safer fish meal, making it a superior alternative to wild-caught fish meal, which may be exposed to marine pollution.