Abstract
A method is described for saving 30% of the world fish catch by producing fishmeal and fish oil replacement products from marine microalgae, the natural source of proteins and oils in the marine food web. To examine the commercial aspects of such a method, we adapt a model based on results of microalgae production in Hawaii and apply it to Thailand, the world’s fourth largest producer of fishmeal. A model facility of 111 ha would produce 2,750 tonnes yr−1 of protein and 2,330 tonnes yr−1 of algal oil, at a capital cost of $29.3 M. Such a facility would generate $5.5 M in average annual net income over its 30-year lifetime. Deployment of 100 such facilities in Thailand would replace all domestic production of fishmeal, 10% of world production, on ~1.5% of the land now used to cultivate oil palm. Such a global industry would generate ~$6.5 billion in annual net income.
Highlights
Fishmeal and fish oil are unique nutritional ingredients, produced by rendering ~30% of the wild fish catch
Fish oil has a high level of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA), which promote optimal growth and health
Marine microalgae have a balanced amino acid profile, and some of them are the natural source of n-3 HUFA
Summary
Fishmeal and fish oil are unique nutritional ingredients, produced by rendering ~30% of the wild fish catch. Fishmeal offers a high-protein (60–65%) ingredient, with a balanced amino acid profile. Fish oil has a high level of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA), which promote optimal growth and health. Prices of both commodities have more than tripled in the past 10 years. The best sources of protein and oil for the diets of marine animals are marine microalgae - the very base of the marine food chain. Marine microalgae have a balanced amino acid profile, and some of them are the natural source of n-3 HUFA. Microalgae would be a commercial replacement for the highest quality fishmeal and fish oil[3,6], but the cost of production has been considered too high. The algae produced by Huntley et al.[7] were separated by solvent extraction into an oil fraction for fuels and a protein-rich (63%) algae meal (as described by Beal et al.8) used in feeding trials with shrimp and other species[9,10]; the techno-economics of a 111-ha facility, based on the production achieved, was modeled to produce fuels and feeds in the USA8
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
