Land-locked Central Europe (CE) faces insufficient EPA + DHA intake. Imported marine fish and farmed salmonids are primary sources, but supplementing with fish oil capsules is also considered. This study compares the nutrient footprint and eco-services of achieving EPA + DHA security using pond-farmed carp and intensively farmed salmon. While pond-farmed carp has a lower production footprint, its EPA + DHA content is significantly lower than salmon, resulting in a higher footprint per mg of EPA + DHA. Enhancements in pond carp production, including improved feeding strategies and polyculture, are suggested to improve EPA + DHA content and reduce the environmental impact. The study concludes that pond-farmed fish should complement, not replace, salmonid/marine fish/oil capsule consumption to ensure EPA + DHA security with minimal environmental pressure.

Koushik Roy, Petr Dvorak, Zdenka Machova, Jan Mraz