Alternative proteins

Despite only representing about 1 percent of global seaweed cultivation volumes, green macroalgae (Chlorophyta) could play a decisive role in the commercial seaweed sector as it expands and diversifies.

Though insect protein startups are generating splashy headlines and bringing new players into the aquafeed industry, single-cell and microbial proteins might be a key feed component in the future.

Kenya-based insect farmer, aquaculture consultant and entrepreneur Proscovia Alando aims to establish the largest fish farming operation in East Africa, in a bid to improve prospects of the region’s women and youth in particular.

While insect production is likely to grow significantly in the coming years, it will be vital for the aquafeed industry to make the most out of what is likely to remain a fairly niche ingredient and not treat it as a simple substitute for fishmeal or soy.

As the aquaculture industry expands, it needs every feed option – both conventional and alternative – at its disposal. But what steps can the sector take to bring sustainable feed ingredients online?

Indonesia’s aquafeed producers – be they industrial players or farmers who produce feed independently – are increasingly looking towards the use of local and sustainable alternatives to fish meal and soy.

Novel means of improving shrimp health – including the use of alternative feed ingredients – are due to be the subject of a short, free webinar taking place on 10 November. Organised by The Fish Site and Calysta, the event has been inspired by trials …

Shrimp fed diets containing FeedKind, a novel microbial protein produced by Calysta, have been shown to be more resistant to Vibrio parahaemolyticus – the source of early mortality syndrome (EMS).

India Boyer is a dealflow manager at Hatch, a role that involves finding – and tracking – emerging startups across the aquaculture value chain, looking to forge possible investments and partnerships. She is also currently in the process of recruiting participa…

The plant-based seafood segment is moving far beyond soy and corn-based substitutions and can now offer seafood lovers the same taste and experience as the "real thing", according to Monica Talbert, CEO of the Plant-Based Seafood Co*.

Unlike alt-meat, alt-seafood may struggle to reach more than a niche market, according to Rabobank seafood analyst Gorjan Nikolik, due to a range of issues.

Paul Shapiro, CEO of The Better Meat Co, believes that mycoprotein fermentation will give the plant-based seafood sector a whole host of ingredients for their edible offerings, while making the global food system more sustainable.