Photo: BioMar’s 2024 Sustainability Report.

Tackling FLAG Emissions: A Critical Step Toward Low-Carbon Aquaculture

BioMar Highlights the Importance of Addressing Land-Use Emissions in Aquafeed Production

As the aquaculture sector moves toward more sustainable and low-carbon production, Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions are becoming a crucial focus area. Danish aquafeed producer BioMar emphasizes the importance of understanding and mitigating these emissions, which are now formally tracked under the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Unlike emissions from fossil fuel-based energy use, FLAG emissions originate from land-use and agricultural practices. This includes greenhouse gases (GHGs) from deforestation, soil management, and crop cultivation for feed ingredients such as soy, maize, and wheat.

According to BioMar, FLAG emissions present a unique challenge for aquafeed producers, requiring land-based mitigation strategies like regenerative agriculture and deforestation-free sourcing. These differ significantly from non-FLAG emission reductions, which focus on energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy adoption.

"Aquafeed is the largest contributor to FLAG-related emissions in aquaculture," BioMar notes, pointing out that the carbon footprint of common feed ingredients can rise substantially if sourced from poorly managed or deforested land.

By tracking FLAG and non-FLAG emissions separately, companies can set targeted, science-based emission reduction goals, gain clearer visibility into environmental impacts, and implement more effective sustainability strategies.

The aquaculture industry is under increasing pressure from retailers, regulators, and investors to back sustainability claims with credible data. BioMar suggests that companies taking a proactive stance on FLAG emissions may strengthen their market position as demand grows for low-carbon seafood.

In conclusion, BioMar states that addressing FLAG emissions is vital for accurate carbon accounting and long-term environmental progress. The issue will only grow in importance as global aquaculture continues to align with climate goals.

More insights can be found in BioMar’s 2024 Sustainability Report.

editorial@seafood.media
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