Marine
algae as a novel, sustainable organic supplement in fish feed for salmonid
aquaculture
European Network for the Dissemination of Aquaculture
RTD Information (Q5CA-2000-30105) and previously FAIR-3837, Aquaflow ref. :
TL2003-168
The initial phase of this project will build research
capacity by establishing nutritive value and overall suitability of a range
of seaweeds as supplements in fish feed for salmonid aquaculture. This would
result in an increase in algal demand, either from natural sustainable or
cultivated renewable sources, and contribute to the economy and maintenance
of coastal communities in peripheral areas and rural development. Marine
algae could potentially replace several components in conventional fish feed
to provide an organic fish feed and cut down on the use of fishmeal, one of
the priorities of the EU fisheries policy.
The work consists of:
Biochemical component analysis of several common
algae, seasonally, to produce reliable data on the nutritional components of
Irish seaweeds.
Exploring the possibility to cultivate certain algae
in tank cultivation as a renewable source.
Exploring the usefulness of seaweeds as feed
additives for salmonids. For this purpose, feed trials will be performed
with different percentages and different seaweeds in the feed.
So far, carbohydrate and protein profiles in key
species have been measured seasonally. Fatty acids and vitamins will follow.
Different processing methods using seaweeds have also been tested. Based on
initial results from the nutritional values of seaweeds, a special feed has
been developed in conjunction with a Norwegian company using Ascophyllum
nodosum. This feed is currently being tested in a trial (November 2003).
This project is funded by the HEA Ireland (2002-2005).
For
more information, contact:
Stefan Kraan
Irish
Seaweed Centre, Martin Ryan Institute
National University of Ireland,
Galway - Ireland
Tel: ++353-91-512241
Fax: ++35391750539
E-mail: Stefan.Kraan@nuigalway.ie