August 1, 2006

US soy industry explores new market in offshore aquaculture

Soy may find a major market if the market for it in aquaculture can be opened up, and the soy industry is looking at just how to do so.

Illinois Soybean Association directors, staff, industry partners recently toured the operations of the University of New Hampshire's Open Aquaculture Programme to see the feasibility of using soy as feed for offshore aquaculture.

The group was given presentations and tours of the operations one of which included a research programme designed to demonstrate the feasibility of using floating, soy-based feeds to produce fish in the open sea.

Bridget Owen, US Soybean Export Council marketing manager, said aquaculture and fish specialists are developing species-specific soy diets and refining offshore cage designs and production systems.

Owen said the opportunity for aquaculture to continue its strong growth lies in the ocean.

As the offshore aquaculture industry continues to grow, it will require renewable protein resources, she said, referring to the declining global fishmeal stocks normally used as aquaculture feed. This development represents a great opportunity for soybean meal and, potentially, soy protein concentrate.