Algae as Aquafeed: New Developments in the U.S.

Growing global demand for seafood continues to strain existing aquafeed supplies, driving up fish meal prices and spurring the search for sustainable alternatives. The use of plant-based protein sources for aquafeed has increased in response, but plant-derived sources typically lack several key nutritional components - including omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) and carotenoids such as astaxanthin - required by many aquaculture species. Many terrestrial crops also bring sustainability challenges of their own.

Algae are attracting increasing attention as a potential solution.  Algae do not require prime agricultural land, can be grown in salt water or wastewater, and several strains naturally produce many of the nutritional components lacking in terrestrial plants. Researchers and innovative algae businesses in the United States and around the world are working aggressively to develop algae-derived aquafeed ingredients to fill the global need. This presentation will survey the existing algae aquafeed landscape in the U.S. and progress being made to bring new sources of algae-based aquafeeds to market.