World Aquaculture Safari 2025

June 24 - 27, 2025

Kampala, Uganda

Add To Calendar 25/06/2025 09:20:0025/06/2025 09:40:00Africa/CairoWorld Aquaculture Safari 2025CULTIVATING THE FUTURE: HOW LAB-GROWN FISH FILLETS COULD TRANSFORM AQUACULTURE DEMANDMeeraThe World Aquaculture Societyjohnc@was.orgfalseDD/MM/YYYYanrl65yqlzh3g1q0dme13067

CULTIVATING THE FUTURE: HOW LAB-GROWN FISH FILLETS COULD TRANSFORM AQUACULTURE DEMAND

Margarida Saavedra1,2, Inês Rodrigues1, Diana M. C. Marques3,4, Frederico Castelo Ferreira3,4, Cheila Almeida1,5 and Amparo Gonçalves1,5

 

1Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, I.P (IPMA), Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading,

Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, nº6, 1495-006 Lisboa; Portugal

2MARE- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET- Aquatic Research Network Associated Laboratory, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal

3Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal

4Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico

5Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal

 



Aquaculture is expanding faster than any other animal food production industry but faces significant challenges, including environmental concerns such as eutrophication, and reliance on wild fish for feed production. Moreover, there is a growing consumer shift towards alternatives to conventional animal-sourced foods that involve minimal or no use of animals. Cultured fish fillets, produced through cellular agriculture, present a promising alternative that could address these challenges and influence aquaculture demand. The project CLEANFISH investigates the potential impact of introducing cultured fish fillets on the access to food, consumer acceptance and environmental sustainability within the seafood industry. As concerns over overfishing, habitat destruction, and food security intensify, cultured fillets offer a viable option to reduce reliance on traditional aquaculture. While initial consumer hesitancy and high production costs pose challenges, advancements in biotechnology and economies of scale may facilitate broader adoption. By applying Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a comprehensive methodology that evaluates the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle, to both recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS) and cultured fish production, key environmental impacts and areas for improvement can be identified. This analysis aids in understanding how cultured fish could complement or compete with aquaculture, potentially leading to more sustainable seafood production systems and reshaping global seafood markets.