Tas scientists uncover omega-three secret for salmon

TASMANIA - The work of Tasmanian scientists could significantly ease pressure on fish stocks around the world while getting rid of a major problem for Australian farmers.

Researchers from the University of Tasmania and CSIRO have discovered that salmon fed oil extracted from the noxious weed patterson's curse can produce their own omega-three.

It is the first time in the world salmon have been shown to make omega-three themselves, as usually they accumulate it from other marine sources.

The discovery could ease pressure on fish stocks because fish farms would not rely as heavily on marine sources for feed.

Professor Chris Carter from the University of Tasmania says crops could even be genetically modified in future to form a sustainable fish feed.

Source: abc.net.au