Rugulopteryx okamurae, a rapidly spreading invasive seaweed along the coasts of Spain, has been converted into a valuable ingredient for aquafeed through cutting-edge biotechnological processes. Marine biologists and aquaculture specialists conducted a study comparing three forms of the seaweed as raw material: raw, hydrolyzed, and fermented. The results showed promising improvements in growth rates and muscle quality in European seabass when this processed algae was included at a modest 5% of their diet.
Seabass fed with diets containing this treated algal biomass exhibited enhanced levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Integrating this seaweed into the feed reduced lipid oxidation in the fish tissues, suggesting an overall boost in health and potentially extending the shelf life of aquaculture products.
The research demonstrates that Rugulopteryx okamurae, when subjected to pre-treatment through enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation, can be successfully integrated into fish diets. This method enhances growth and health without the drawbacks typically associated with its raw form.
These findings are particularly timely for an aquaculture industry seeking sustainable feeding solutions amid growing environmental concerns and excessive reliance on traditional fishmeal. By repurposing an invasive species through environmentally sustainable techniques, this strategy not only addresses ecological imbalances but also bolsters the circular economy within aquaculture practices. The experts involved in the study are calling for the expansion of this research to other fish species and scaling it up to commercial levels.
They believe that strategic use of such invasive seaweeds could significantly lessen environmental impacts while providing a cost-effective and nutritious alternative for fish feed. The success of these trials points towards a future of aquafeed that is both sustainable and innovative, poised to meet the pressing challenges of the aquaculture industry head-on.
Referencia:
A.J. Vizcaíno, M.I. Sáez, A. Galafat, R. Galindo-Melero, E. Perera, I. Casal-Porras, E. Zubía, J. Vega, F.L. Figueroa, T.F. Martínez, J.A. Martos-Sitcha, F.J. Alarcón, Efectos de la alimentación de juveniles de lubina europea (Dicentrarchus labrax) con biomasa cruda, hidrolizada y fermentada del alga macroinvasora Rugulopteryx okamurae (Ochrophyta). Aquaculture Reports, Volumen 34, 2024, 101877, ISSN 2352-5134
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