Algae partnership targets sustainable omega-3s for aquaculture

UK – A new collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and Scottish-American biotech firm AlgiSys is setting out to improve how the aquaculture industry sources omega-3s. 

The two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a sustainable, algae-based alternative to fish oil and fishmeal, ingredients that have long been linked to overfishing and marine resource depletion.

The collaboration aims to produce omega-3-rich oils and plant proteins from microalgae biomass fermentation, providing a renewable solution to one of aquaculture’s biggest sustainability challenges. 

The research will be conducted at ENU’s R&D laboratories, where scientists will test and scale AlgiSys’ proprietary technology.

Sustainable innovation for salmon feed

Initially, the project will target feed ingredients for farmed salmon, the UK’s largest food export, before expanding into other markets such as pet food, human supplements, and pharmaceuticals.

“This partnership has been a long time in the making and we are pleased to make it official,” said Professor Nick Wheelhouse, Director of ENU’s Centre for Biomedicine and Global Health. 

“The need for a sustainable source of omega-3 and plant protein products has never been greater, so our work with AlgiSys has huge potential to overcome significant food supply challenges.”

He added that while aquaculture is the immediate focus, the technology “could have applications across several sectors.”

Dr Eve Bird, Director of Research & Innovation at AlgiSys, echoed this optimism. “We see a great alignment between AlgiSys’ technology and ENU’s resources, capabilities and commitment to sustainability,” she said.

Why algae offer a better way forward

Algae are the original producers of omega-3 fatty acids in the marine food chain. Unlike fish oil, which depends on harvesting wild fish, algae can be cultivated in controlled indoor fermentation systems using renewable energy. 

This method eliminates pressure on marine ecosystems and provides a steady, scalable supply of omega-3s for aquaculture feed.

Once the microalgae are grown under optimal conditions of light, temperature, and aeration, their oil is extracted through eco-friendly processes such as supercritical carbon dioxide methods. 

The omega-3-rich oil can then be incorporated directly into fish feed, improving fish health, growth, and disease resistance while ensuring a lower environmental footprint.

By tapping into algae’s natural power to produce omega-3s, the ENU–AlgiSys partnership hopes to help the aquaculture industry meet global demand for healthy seafood, without depleting the oceans that supply it.

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