The Harms of Excessive Fish Protein Use on Plants

1、The Harms of Excessive Fish Protein Use on Plants

Long-term excessive use of fish protein may lead to deficiencies or excesses of these elements, disrupting normal plant development. For example, overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizers can cause excessive vegetative growth, while excessive phosphorus may impair root system development.

2、Substitution of fishmeal: Highlights of potential plant protein sources

Thus, these potential challenges and limitations associated with various plant proteins have to be overcome by using different methods, i.e. enzymatic pretreatments, solvent extraction, heat treatments and fermentation, that are discussed briefly in this review.

Substitution of fishmeal: Highlights of potential plant protein sources

3、Replacing fishmeal with plant protein in Atlantic salmon

The effects of feeding an 80% plant protein diet, with and without fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) supplementation, on the growth and gut health of Atlantic salmon were investigated.

4、Production of Fish Analogues from Plant Proteins: Potential Strategies

Plant-based fish analogs, which mimic the structure, texture, and flavor of fish meat products, are a rapid-growing segment of the food products. The purpose of this review is to discuss the feasibility and potential strategies for developing plant-based fish analog.

Production of Fish Analogues from Plant Proteins: Potential Strategies

Production of Fish Analogues from Plant Proteins: Potential

The Potential Harms of Excessive Consumption of Strawberry Fish Protein

Utilization of Plant Proteins in Fish Diets; Effects of Global

Thus, continued growth of aquaculture production is fundamentally unsustainable if fish meal and fish oil were to be the main protein and oil sources used in aquafeeds. Eventually, supplies would be insufficient.

Seeking the best alternatives: A systematic

Overall, this article depicts the impact patterns of major plant protein sources on carnivorous farmed fish species and lays a solid foundation for further investigation on mechanisms for improving plant protein utilization.

Alternative Proteins for Fish Diets: Implications beyond Growth

The research results indicate that alternative protein sources, such as terrestrial plant proteins, rendered animal by-products, insect meals, micro- and macroalgae, and single cell proteins (e.g., yeasts), may negatively impact gut microbiota and health, thus affecting immune and stress responses.

Protein Fishmeal Replacement in Aquaculture: A Systematic Review and

Several sources of plant protein, single-cell protein, and animal protein have partially or entirely replaced the more expensive fishmeal.

Fish protein, also known as fish peptides or fish amino acids, is a high-purity, small-molecule peptide substance derived from the hydrolysis, extraction, and purification of fish proteins. Due to its rich content of essential amino acids and small molecular size—which facilitates absorption by plants—it is widely used in fields such as plant growth promoters and fertilizer additives. excessive use of fish protein may have negative impacts on plants, primarily manifested in the following aspects:

Nutritional Imbalance: Plants require balanced nutrients during growth, including macroelements like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg), as well as microelements like iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and boron (B). Long-term excessive use of fish protein may lead to deficiencies or excesses of these elements, disrupting normal plant development. For example, overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizers can cause excessive vegetative growth, while excessive phosphorus may impair root system development.
Soil Acidification: Fish protein contains acidic substances such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid. These compounds gradually break down in soil, leading to acidification. Soil acidification inhibits root growth, reduces nutrient uptake efficiency, and may even kill certain plants. dosage control is critical to avoid soil acidification.
Microbial Imbalance: Plant growth relies on a complex ecosystem of soil microorganisms, which play roles in decomposing organic matter and synthesizing plant hormones. Excessive fish protein application can disrupt microbial balance. For instance, overly high nitrogen levels may reduce populations of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, limiting nitrogen availability, while excessive phosphorus may promote denitrifying bacteria, reducing phosphorus utilization efficiency.
Antibiotic Resistance: Studies suggest that long-term excessive use of fish protein may enhance plant resistance to certain antibiotics. Fish protein contains precursors to antibiotics, such as tetracycline and streptomycin. When absorbed by plants, these precursors can convert into active antibiotics, reducing plant sensitivity to them. Additionally, excessive use may alter plant enzyme activity, further affecting antibiotic responsiveness.
Environmental Pollution: The production and use of fish protein generate wastewater and emissions, contributing to environmental pollution. Excessive application can lead to water eutrophication, soil heavy metal accumulation, and toxicity to aquatic organisms, disrupting ecological balance.
Economic Costs: As a high-value product, fish protein is relatively expensive. Overuse in agriculture increases production costs, reducing farmers’ profits. Furthermore, market price fluctuations of fish protein pose financial risks for users.
Social Issues: Overreliance on fish protein may encourage monocropping, leading to soil degradation, increased pests, and reduced crop diversity. Excessive use can also lower agricultural product quality, weakening market competitiveness.

While fish protein offers numerous benefits, its excessive use poses significant risks to plants and ecosystems. To mitigate harm, it is essential to control dosage, prevent soil acidification, maintain microbial balance, prioritize environmental protection, and consider economic feasibility.