Dr Summerfelt is currently the chief science officer at Superior Fresh – the first land-based Atlantic salmon producer in the US – and joins the Seafood Nutrition Partnership’s Advisory Council to contribute to the organisation’s mission to build public awareness of the nutritional benefits of consuming seafood. Prior to this role, Summerfelt worked at with the Conservation Fund Freshwater Institute where he directed aquaculture research.
“I eat seafood nearly every day. And I often tell others the old mantra: 'you are what you eat,' so I only eat the best for my health,” said Dr Summerfelt, in a press release.
During his time at Superior Fresh, Dr Summerfelt has conducted and published peer-reviewed research which found that carnivorous fish species – such as rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, and walleye – do not require fishmeal in their diet to thrive. This finding is significant for the aquaculture sector, which traditionally utilises fish meal – widely thought to be an unsustainable practice – in aquafeeds.
His recent but unpublished research at Superior Fresh found that feeding Atlantic salmon higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids helps ensure their health. It also provides the salmon with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the filets, which benefits consumers.
“Omega-3s EPA+DHA are essential fatty acids that our bodies need to function. Scientific findings, like those at Superior Fresh bolster the industry's reputation and enable retailers and restaurants to highlight the vital health and nutritional advantages of seafood to consumers,” commented Linda Lai Cornish, founder and president of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership.
