Asia supplies most of the global aquaculture output, yet feed systems remain cost-intensive and heavily dependent on fishmeal (FM) and fish oil (FO) . A growing body of Southeast Asian work, particularly from Indonesia and the Philippines, demonstrates viable pathways to reduce this dependence using locally available plant, animal and microbial resources processed through fermentation, hydrolysis, and other value-adding steps.
Fermented copra meal can replace substantial soybean and FM fractions with improved digestibility and gut health. DDGS performs up to approximately 40% replacement in omnivores when balanced for amino acids. Palm kernel meal is fiber_limited unless pre_treated. Palm oil can substitute FO when finishing strategies restore fillet PUFA profiles. Ulva and Gracilaria work as fresh feeds or binders. Seaweed meal inclusions of 5– 10% are common, with higher levels in herbivores. Duckweed and Ceratophyllum offer low_cost proteins with favorable amino acid profiles when fiber is managed.
Where permitted, porcine processed animal proteins provide highly digestible proteins that can efficiently replace FM in several grow_out feeds when phosphorus loads are managed. Tuna, squid and shrimp by_products act as potent attractants and partial FM replacements in carnivores . Black soldier fly larvae enable FM reduction, though chitin and standardization of substrates. Earthworm meals support growth responses at 25–50% protein replacement in several species.
A framework that combines strategic aquafeed material procurement, effective use of technologies to boost nutrient bioavailability, and balanced feed formulation can materially lower feed costs, reduce pressure on reduction fisheries, and advance circular bio-economies in Indonesia and the Philippines without compromising growth or product quality when processing and formulation are correctly executed.