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Project title

AgriAqua: Developing new biorefining technologies to transform agriculture by-products as part of a circular seafood bioeconomy.

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

Aquaculture is now one of the fastest-growing food producing industriesy and it is seen as a sustainable way of addressing our future food security and climate impact. The development of circular based (restorative and regenerative/ waste residues from other industries) derived aquafeed ingredients for farmed aquatic animals is at the heart of pursuing this long-term sustainable aquaculture based food production model. This is in replacement to the traditional aquafeed ingredients being used by industry (e.g., fish meal, fish oil), but also addresses the growing concern over the environmental impact of using soybean meal, e.g. deforestation and arable land displacement. Agricultural waste such as processed animal proteins (PAPs) from renderers [3] and spent rapeseed meals from the oil-producing industry [4] has been overlooked as a key contributor in attaining a circular seafood production model. This is for good reason because of its nutrient bioavailability and negative components such as antinutrient compounds [4]. My proposed PhD will develop and validate new biorefinery methodologies (inc. exogenous enzyme additives, alternative low-temperature drying, and solid-state fermentation technologies) to enhance these underused resources and bring about real-world changes to the aquaculture industry. To achieve these goals, I will validate these technologies in farmed animal species (trout, tilapia, carp and shrimps) through feed trials. I will focus on biological (e.g. haematology, bone mineral uptake, gut microbiome, immunology), economic (e.g. growth rates, feed intake, and marketable indices, cost-benefit analysis), and environmental (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions) performance indicators to produce commercially relevant data for both developed and low-income countries. The results will allow me to commercialise the technologies and produce a tangible impact on consumers, industry and environment, and overall create a sustainable circular food production system that addresses the United Nation�s Sustainable Development Goals, e.g. zero hunger, life below water, and climate action.

Grant Approved

�55,000.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2024