More information
Description
Considering population growth and the resulting increase in demand for animal protein, we need to ensure that food production is sustainable and based on circular economy principles. The EU imports around 70% of the protein and the aquafeed industry has long been looking for sustainable and local sources, such as insects. The production of insects is carried out according to principles of circular economy, using by-products from the agri-food sector as substrate, using nutrients that would otherwise be discarded. Studies support the use of insects in aquafeeds, and in some cases it has even been shown to support animal welfare. However, different insects have different nutritional profiles, not always perfectly suited to aquafeeds, and have also different needs at a productive level. Thus, the objective of this project is to develop a new tailor-made protein source for use in aquafeeds for salmon and seabass based on different insects, also testing an innovative approach for the simultaneous production of these insects, approved for use in aquaculture: Tenebrio molitor, Hermetia illucens and Musca domestica. This approach will optimize the protein''s amino acid profile to meet the specific needs of two species of great importance at the European level, salmon, and seabass, and to optimize the insect production process, using bio resources as efficiently as possible, reducing production costs, resulting in a new, more sustainable and economical ingredient. To this end, zootechnical trials will be carried out to assess the performance of this ingredient in aquafeeds. These tests will be followed by a "stress challenge", which will assess the impact on fish health, animal welfare, and stress response. The quality and food safety of fish will also be evaluated to ensure that the final consumer has access to a superior quality product. The Norwegian partner will be in charge of the salmon trials, thus strengthening the relationship between Portugal and a Donor State.
Summary of project results
The aquaculture sector faces uncertainty due to environmental changes, economic factors, and, importantly, the availability of food resources. Conventional aquatic foods, which are heavily dependent on fishmeal, are facing sustainability challenges due to overexploitation of wild fish stocks, rising costs, and environmental impacts. The aim of this project was to contribute to the sustainable growth of aquaculture by developing a unique and innovative insect protein mixture using two different species. This mix allowed for the formulation of specific feeds for two species of fish: Atlantic salmon and European seabass. The principal advantage of using two different insect species to produce the mixture is the optimization of the amino acid profile to better match the fish’s needs. Additionally, this approach optimizes the insect production process, using bioresources more effectively and reducing production costs.
The main results of the project included the development of four novel animal diets products: two specific feeding substrates for insects and two new fish diets. Additionally, the project established two new markets and secured four intellectual property rights. By development of innovative insect production techniques and through optimization of insect protein combinations adapted to specific animal needs, the project produced a tailored product that is both economically and nutritionally balanced. This approach allows the use of raw materials that otherwise could not be easily used as animal feed (due to price constrains), creating new market opportunities for insect producers and advancing precision nutrition in fish.
The project contributes to the sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry by providing an alternative protein mix to traditional fishmeal. From this perspective, the project has created cost-effective feed solutions, leading to lower production costs for fish farmers and making aquaculture more financially viable and competitive. Moreover, the development of novel animal diets can improve the health, growth, and productivity of farmed fish, resulting in higher quality and more nutritious seafood for consumers. The project demonstrated that the adoption of insect-based feeds can lead to a more resilient and environmentally friendly aquaculture industry, capable of meeting the growing global demand for seafood in a sustainable manner.
Summary of bilateral results
The project benefitted significantly from having NORCE as donor project partner, primarily through enhanced financial support, increased credibility, and access to specialized expertise. The involvement of NORCE added distinctness to the project, because NORCE brings specialized knowledge and experience from sustainable fish farming and marine resource management. This expertise was invaluable in shaping effective strategies and implementing best practices. Having a bilateral partner, like NORCE, opened new avenues for networking and collaboration with national entities in fish trials. In fact, the opportunity to share accomplishments that neither party could have achieved independently was key to the success of the fish trials (Atlantic salmon).NORCE provided rigorous monitoring and evaluation frameworks in fish facility and subsequent analyses, achieving the outputs intended for the Atlantic salmon fish trials. This oversight helped maintain high standards of accountability and performance. In summary, NORCE played a critical role in the project''s success and innovation and proved to be mutually beneficial and impactful, demonstrating their value in achieving sustainable development goals in this field, ensuring environmental stewardship, and supporting economic growth in regions dependent on marine resources.