Fish feed manufacturer Skretting announced today that "Commercial salmon farming can be a net fish protein producer." In a research trial conducted at CAC in Norway, a large-scale research station co-owned by Marine Harvest, Skretting and AKVA group, preliminary results show that 1.2 kg of fish protein was produced for each kilogram of fish protein that was utilized in the production of the feed. This major accomplishment was achieved through substitution with vegetable protein sources. Importantly, the level of Omega-3 fatty acids in the salmon produced was not reduced.
Knut Nesse, Managing Director of Skretting Salmon Feed, stated "The trials at CAC are a milestone. This is the first time we can refer to large-scale trials on fish over an entire generation, where we gain more fish protein in the form of salmon than we used to produce the fish feed. The world's resources must be shared among an ever-growing number of people. In this perspective, the findings open up great opportunities for the aquaculture industry."
Mary Ellen Walling, BCSFA Executive Director, agrees that the announcement marks another step forward to ensuring that salmon farming operates sustainably. "To be a net producer of fish protein while maintaining levels of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids is a major accomplishment. We look forward to hearing more about this exciting development when the final trial results are announced later this year."
