Feed Sources for Sustainable Aquaculture: Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)

As global aquaculture is on the rise, the demand for sustainable and high-quality feed ingredients is intensifying. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional fishmeal due to its favorable nutritional profile, waste recycling potential, and low environmental impact. This review explores the novel role of BSF meal in aquafeeds, highlighting its effects on fish growth performance, feed efficiency, and fillet quality. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties of lauric acid and chitin are discussed. However, despite its promise, several challenges still hinder the large-scale adoption of BSFL meal in aquaculture. These include regulatory restrictions on substrates, concerns over fish meat quality and safety, consumer acceptance, and the economic and logistical hurdles of industrial-scale BSFL farming. This paper synthesizes current scientific findings and regulatory frameworks, identifies key gaps in knowledge, and discusses the potential of BSFL meal as a sustainable alternative in aquafeeds while addressing its challenges.