USDA backs University of Maine’s innovative research to transform wood into fish feed 

USA – The University of Maine (UMaine) has pioneered a project to convert low-quality woody biomass into sustainable jet fuel and fish feed. 

Backed by a US$10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this venture is poised to rejuvenate Maine’s struggling forestry sector while addressing critical needs in the bioeconomy.

The project, named “Sustainable Wood to Fuel and Fish Feed for Strengthening the U.S. Bioeconomy” (SWF3), is spearheaded by UMaine’s Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) and Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI). 

They have partnered with the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and Arbiom, a company specializing in protein ingredients. 

The initiative aims to create viable markets for underutilized wood by transforming it into high-value products to bolster the state’s economy and support rural communities.

Maine’s forests have long been a cornerstone of the state’s economy, but the decline of the pulp and paper industry, compounded by challenges like drought and reduced demand, has left millions of pounds of low-value wood languishing in the forests. 

UMaine researchers are now focused on harnessing this untapped resource. The key lies in lignins and sugars found in the wood, which can be processed into biofuels and proteins. 

The innovative project promises to reduce waste and create sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and fishmeal, which are traditionally used in jet fuel and aquaculture, respectively.

“The new funding is key to developing creative and sustainable markets for underutilized forest biomass while prioritizing the inclusive values important to advancing equitable rural development in Maine,” said Clayton Wheeler, Director of FBRI.

The biofuel component of the project involves converting lignin and other byproducts into aviation fuel through hydrothermal liquefaction. This process utilizes high-temperature and high-pressure water to break down solid residues. 

This could significantly lower the cost of renewable fuels, making them more competitive with those derived from petroleum and helping the nation move towards a greener future.

On the aquaculture side, researchers aim to replace traditional fishmeal—a costly and unsustainable component of fish feed—with single-source proteins derived from woody biomass. 

This approach promises to be more cost-effective and reduce the reliance on natural fisheries, contributing to more sustainable aquaculture practices.

“The Aquaculture Research Institute is thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project,” said ARI’s Director Debbie Bouchard. “By converting low-quality wood into an ingredient for sustainable fish feed, we’re addressing a critical need in aquaculture and enhancing the economic value of Maine’s forests.”

This project is part of a broader initiative by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to advance sustainability in agricultural systems. The outcomes of SWF3 could lead to significant advancements in multiple fields, including forest biofuels, fish nutrition, and sustainable forest management. 

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