Mycotoxin Prevalence in Feeds and Feed Ingredients for Finfish Aquaculture: A Comprehensive Analysis and Mitigation Strategies

AbstractFed aquaculture has surpassed capture fishery yields, contributing largely to global finfish production. The partial or complete substitution of exorbitantly priced fishmeal and fish oil with plant-based and alternative ingredients has emerged as a key strategy for promoting sustainable aqua feed formulation and aquaculture expansion. Aquaculture feeds frequently contain diverse fungal communities and toxicogenic strains that are introduced with plant-derived agricultural ingredients. Under pliable environmental and storage conditions these fungi can persist, proliferate and produce toxic secondary metabolites, resulting in contamination of finished feeds. The combined effects of ingredient sourcing, feed processing, and post-production storage determine the prevalence and concentration of mycotoxins in aquaculture diets, with significant implications for fish health, product safety, and farm productivity. Careful feed storage and management practices can significantly reduce the incidence of hazardous mycotoxin contamination. In cases of fungal infestation, the implementation of appropriate mycotoxin mitigation strategies serves as an effective recourse, minimizing feed contamination risks and thereby protecting cultured species as well as intended consumers.