June 21, 2006

Norwegian scientists hunting for alternatives to fishmeal

Scientists at Fiskeriforskning in Bergen, Norway are working to find out which substances in the meal would help farmed salmon grow in order to source for alternative to the expensive fishmeal.

Although, vegetarian content has been increasing in salmon feed in recent years, around 30 percent of feed would still have to have fishmeal for the fish to grow. The research is hoping to find ways to reduce this content.

The research hopes to find easily accessible vegetarian substitutes to be used to make fishmeal, thus increasing production.

Quotas on fishing meant there are limits for how much meal is available in the market.

Since fishmeal is expensive, and prices are likely to rise in the future, this would be an important development, said Senior Scientist Anders Aksnes.

When the salmon's dietary needs are better undertstood, production can be adapted to include as many of these substances as possible, says Aksnes.

This meant fishing resources can be utilised more effectively and more of the valuable components that the salmon needs can be provided.

Alternative sources may be fish offal, plants or animals in the sea, says Aksnes.