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Description
The project (“Green fish oil from bue industry”), to be implemented in the triennium from 2021 to 2023, aiming to demonstrate and implement new technologies, with a high degree of technological maturity, which make possible the innovative production of fish oil resulting from the exclusive production of tuna of the species Katsuwonus pelamis, aka tuna-“bonito”, “gaiado” or skipjack. At the same time, to undertake a set of research and development (“R&D”) activities carried out by Cofaco Açores - Indústria de Conservas, S.A, (hereinafter referred to as “Cofaco”, “Cofaco Açores”, “Promoter” or “ Company ”), leading promoter of the project, which will be enhanced by the academic and practical / industrial knowledge of the University of Algarve, hereinafter referred to only as (“UAlg”) or (“partner ”) partner entity of the project under consideration.
Without the completion of this investment project, and the respective acquisition of specialized equipment for the reuse of the animal by-product and, with the increase of these, there has been a high pressure on the WWTP, creating an effluent that requires much more resources materials (addition of substances / compounds) and time to become an effluent that can be discharged, thus generating unnecessary entropy in the process and in the ecosystem itself.
In this context, through the project under consideration, the Promoter aims to train itself with the physical means (acquisition of cutting-edge technology, namely a decanter and a centrifuge for the production of refined and marketable fish oil) and technicians (through the establishment of partnerships with technical researchers specialized in the nutritional characterization and enhancement of the product under consideration) necessary for the industrial production of fish oil, at the same tame with the fish flour production process, both produced from by-products of the tuna canning industry at the Cofaco factory in Rabo de Peixe, Azores.
Summary of project results
The project tackled key challenges in the tuna canning industry in the Azores, where increased production has led to more waste and environmental concerns. The goal was to create fish oil from tuna by-products, specifically Katsuwonus pelamis, to reduce waste and environmental impact while generating a valuable product to support sustainability and the local economy. Cofaco Açores installed more modern and efficient decanter and centrifuge to transform tuna by-products into highquality fish oil for more-valuable commercial use. The team at UAlg analyzed the oil''s nutritional quality and safety, ensuring it met high standards.
The project had two main phases: Phase 1: Installation and operation of decanter and centrifuge at Rabo de Peixe factory (Activity 2). Phase 2: Research on oil quality, and scaling-up production for national and international markets (Activities 3 and 4). Despite delays in installation (Feb. to Oct. 2023), the project analyzed fish and by-product samples before and after installation. Oil and wastewater were examined before (Apr. 2023) and after installation (Jan. 2024), and after production was optimized by Apr. 2024. We assessed quality parameters and food safety risks (e.g., contaminants, metals) and compared the fish oil to commercial food supplements. This comparison addressed our limitations in evaluating chemical changes during storage and transport (Task 4.1) and the market study of the oil from K. pelamis byproducts (Tasks 4.2-4.3).
Before installation, fresh fish had high moisture (~70%) and fat (24.95 mg/g) when compared to cooked fish (69% and 8.17 mg/g). By-products had low moisture (5.8%) but high fat (51.22 mg/g). After installation, suspended solids, oil color, pH, and viscosity improved. Fatty acids shifted, with increased EPA and reduced DHA, and oxidation levels decreased. The oil''s fatty acids profile is quite interesting compared to commercial oils, showing higher DHA and PUFAs, but lower EPA. The project''s other major impact was the significant reduction in organic load and generated waste post-installation, improving liquid effluents, i.e. average decrease of 30% in chemicals (coagulants and flocculants) in the wastewater treatment plant. The success of the project ensures the sustainability of Cofaco Açores by reducing waste and fostering innovation in fish oil production. This promotes long-term environmental preservation and operational efficiency, contributing to the local economy and sustainable practices.