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Microencapsulated algal feeds as a sustainable replacement diet for broodstock in commercial bivalve aquaculture

Scientific Reports, ISSN: 2045-2322, Vol: 10, Issue: 1, Page: 12577
2020
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Microencapsulated algal feeds as a sustainable replacement diet for broodstock in commercial bivalve aquaculture

By: David F . Willer, Samuel F urse & David C . Aldridge * “The use of live algae is driving excessive and unsustainable energy

Article Description

The global bivalve shellfish industry makes up 25% of aquaculture, is worth USD $17.2 billion year, and relies upon a supply of juvenile bivalves produced by adult broodstock in hatcheries. Today large quantities of live algae are grown to feed broodstock at $220 kg, driving highly unsustainable energy and resource use. New advances in algal and microencapsulation technology provide solutions. We developed microencapsulated Schizochytrium algae diets, which can be produced sustainably at < $2 kg from organic side-streams, and are shelf-stable to minimise waste. Physiological, histological, and cutting-edge metabolomic analyses demonstrate that in commercial settings sustainable microencapsulated diets facilitate improved sexual development and 12 × greater omega-3 levels in oysters relative to conventional live algal diets. Every tonne bivalve protein produced instead of fish spares 9 ha, 67 tonnes CO, and 40,000 L freshwater. Further research into microencapsulated diets could support bivalve industry expansion, and contribute towards a step-change in sustainable global food production through improved aquaculture practices.

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