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BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram

Establishing an innovative and transnational feed production approach for reduced climate impact of the aquaculture sector and food supply

Alternative title: Etablering av en innovativ og internasjonal plattform for fôrproduksjon som kan gi redusert klimaavtrykk for akvakultur og matproduksjon

Awarded: NOK 2.2 mill.

CLIMAQUA aims to develop a sustainable aquaculture based on the total utilization of locally produced high-quality feed raw materials that can contribute to reduced environmental emissions. In collaboration with Sintef, researchers in Germany (DIL) have developed and established a pilot process for the transformation and recycling of aquaculture side streams (sludge and wastewater) as growth substrate for a small red algae (Galdieria sulphuraria). Nofima has analysed the algae product, which has been shown to be of very high quality, and to contain a lot of protein (66.7%), not so much fat (11.7%), and relatively low levels of ash (3.5%). The protein is well balanced with a composition of amino acids consistent with that found in an ordinary fishmeal. The red algae have been mill-dried to break down the thick cell wall and to release the nutrients. The algal suspensions have been added at graded levels to 5 different experimental diets, where the algal protein was replaced with equal amounts of fishmeal protein, at levels corresponding to 0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6% of the marine dietary protein. An experiment is performed with small salmon (10 g) in fresh water, where Nofima will demonstrate the nutritional value of the red algae as a new feed ingredient for salmon. Fish of this size grow very quickly and will probably triple their weights within 5-6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the nutritional quality of the algae product will be evaluated by examining effects on growth, digestibility, protein retention and quality of salmon. CLIMAQUA involves partners from Norway, Germany, Kenya and South Africa, and the project therefore provides the opportunity to assess climate impact in different geographical zones. An investigation will be made of social (stakeholders within aquaculture, feed and food production, and consumers), economic and environmental aspects that can be valuable in the work to improve resource utilization and the nutritional quality of the locally produced and sustainable new feed raw materials.

CLIMAQUA results in an innovative process for converting and recirculating aquaculture side-streams (sludge and wastewater) in algae (Arthrospira platensis)-based feed production for aquaculture. In conventional aquaculture, feed production is responsible for 50% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. The aim is to substantially reduce GHG emission by considering geographic and site-specific characteristics (temperature, sunshine duration etc.) and to design site-specific phototrophic or heterotrophic A. platensis cultivation for use as a highly digestible feed ingredient. CLIMAQUA builds on knowledge gained regarding aquaculture and feed production, and involves partners from Norway, Germany, Kenya and South Africa in order to broaden the applicability, not limiting the approach to a certain geographic area and assessing climate impact of feed production in different climate zones. CLIMAQUA will consider both technological aspects resulting in low carbon footprint solutions and reduced environmental impact as well as non-technological aspects resulting in changes in supply chains and food system resilience by climate adapted production of feed and fish. The transnational cooperation is characterized by mutual knowledge exchange that involves on-cite solutions to meet the future climate situations challenging the supply of food. This cooperation strengthens regional capabilities and contributes to food security under climate change within 1.5 or 2 °C until 2050 and beyond. The project will enable an assessment of future climate impact and an investigation of social (Aquaculture farmers, feed and food processors, consumers), economic and environmental aspects. The regional results obtained, including the role of food losses and waste management and feedback of stakeholders will be used to further improve resource efficiency and nutritive quality of produced feed and food in the southern and northern parts of the world to strengthen regional food supply.

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Funding scheme:

BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram