AQUA 2024

August 26 - 30, 2024

Copenhagen, Denmark

EMBRACING MICROALGAE: A SUSTAINABLE SHIFT FROM FISH OIL TO CIRCULAR ECONOMY CO-PRODUCTS FOR OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS IN AQUACULTURE

Chris Haacke

 

 MiAlgae Ltd.

Heriot-Watt Univ Edinburgh Campus, Unit 12, The Curve, 32 Research Park, North, Research Park EH14 4AP, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

christopher.haacke@mialgae.com

 



 As the demand for Omega-3 fatty acids continue to rise, the depletion of traditional sources like fish oil poses significant environmental challenges and a significant bottleneck to the growth of the Aquaculture industry. In addition, climate change is leading to increasingly erratic supply patterns for the fish oil and fishmeal industry which only serves to increase uncertainty in the industry. In this scenario, m icroalgae has moved from a promising alternative to an essential element of the raw material basket offering a growing sustainable solution for meeting the nutritional needs of the aquaculture industry. This presentation explores the transformative potential of microalgae adoption, particularly focusing on its role in mitigating carbon emissions and advancing towards a circular economy model.

 By harnessing microalgae,  the aquaculture industry is increasingly reducing its reliance on fish oil, thereby alleviating pressure on marine ecosystems. The next step to a more sustainable model is the integration of microalgae production with co-products from a circular economy model  in order  to shift to a  more  holistic approach towards sustainability. This shift not only addresses the environmental concerns associated with traditional Omega-3 sources but also fosters resource efficiency and waste reduction.

 This  presentation aims to delve into the practical implications of incorporating microalgae into aquafeed formulations and discusses economic viability, and the environmental footprint of microalgae-based Omega-3 in aquaculture feeds. Additionally, case studies and success stories from pioneering initiatives will offer insights into the scalability and real-world applications of this paradigm shift.

 Embracing microalgae as a source of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids not only ensure the health and welfare of farmed fish but also propels the aquaculture sector towards a low-carbon trajectory, guided by principles of circularity and environmental stewardship.