Biotechnology and aquaculture are driving sustainability with innovations such as cricket-based feeds, algae-derived ingredients, and AI-powered fish counting tools. Can these advancements fuel a more sustainable blue economy? Explore the latest updates with us!

AQUACULTURE

Biotechnological Potential of Crickets as a Sustainable Protein Source to Replace Fishmeal in Aquatic Feeds

Aquaculture demands low-cost protein sources as fishmeal (FM) prices rise. Cricket meal (CM) is a sustainable alternative with high protein content and digestibility, supporting the growth, immunity, and gut health of fish and shrimp. While chitin content and scalability present challenges, biotechnological solutions can optimize CM and improve protein quality for safe use in aquaculture feeds.

MDPI – BioTech
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Algae-based ingredients prove effective in salmon feed trials

This research evaluated the inclusion of AlgaPrime™ DHA LS microalgae in Atlantic salmon feed, focusing on lipid extraction and digestibility. The inclusion of AlgaPrime™ DHA LS was tested before extrusion and during vacuum coating, showing good physical stability and nutrient digestibility, including saturated fatty acids. The addition of microalgae during the vacuum coating stage allowed for high oil absorption without significant loss. The results showed that there is no need for additional disruption of the microalgae cell wall, and the replacement of some oils with AlgaPrime™ DHA LS did not negatively affect digestibility in salmon, showing a favorable lipid profile.

Aquafeed
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AI App for Fish Counting Wins Innovation Award

A machine learning application that allows aquaculture operators to count fish in real time on their smartphones has been selected to receive an innovation award at the annual CES 2025 technology event. The app can count submerged fish with up to 95% accuracy and is the result of a collaboration between a Japanese company using SoftBank’s graphical simulation technology and a US company using Aizip’s AI technology.

The Fish Site
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LIVING MARINE RESOURCES

Low-viscosity renewable alga-based polyester-polyols for biodegradable thermoplastic polyethylenes

This paper presents polyester-polyols comprising subunits of succinic acid, a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid with at least 9 carbons, and a C2-C6 diol, wherein the polyester-polyol has a viscosity of less than 2400 cP at 55 °C, and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) prepared therefrom, as well as methods for preparing the polyester-polyols and TPUs, methods of their use, and products containing them.

Patentscope
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MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY

Extraction and purification of marine-derived biopolymers for use in biotechnological applications

Marine-derived biopolymers are sustainable alternatives for use in cosmetics, medicine, and food. Various extraction methods have been explored to obtain polysaccharides, proteins, and glycosaminoglycans from marine resources, such as agar from seaweed, chitin from crustaceans, and collagen from fish. This review describes established extraction and purification techniques. It also includes a practical guide with protocols for more efficient and environmentally friendly extraction.

Pubmed
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Extraction of native collagen from fish scales

The present invention relates to an innovative device designed for the mechanical extraction of native collagen from dried fish scales. This device consists of several key components that work together to ensure the efficiency of the extraction process.

Espacenet
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Method for producing a genetically modified plant organism and a genetically modified organism obtained by that method.

Method for producing a genetically modified plant organism, in particular algae or microalgae, that can accumulate lipids with a modified lipid profile for the purpose of producing oils for food use.

Patentscope
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