Reports

Moist diet for farmed fish

Published:

01/02/2009

Authors:

Jón Örn Pálsson

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund. Preliminary project (S 034‐05)

Moist diet for farmed fish

Gellyfeed is a synonym for a two-stage production process of aquaculture feed. The method was developed with the aim of reducing storage costs and producing strong feed pellets. Studies confirm that long-term leaching of raw materials and storage impairs the quality of proteins and renders the raw material unsuitable for wet feed production. The maximum shelf life of fish raw material in a strong alkaline state is 14 days. The method can be useful for killing bacteria, viruses and parasites. Options for storage of raw materials for wet feed production are freezing and digestion processing. The production of wet feed from by-products that occur in the northern Westfjords can be a promising option. The legislation of the European Economic Area does not prohibit the use of by-products from wild cod in feed for farmed cod.

Gellyfeed is a name of a two-step production process of moist diet for farmed fish. The process is developed to reduce the cost of preserving by-products and to make a physical strong pellet. Research confirms that alkaline preserved raw material and longtime storing damage the protein quality and make the raw material not suitable for use in moist diet. Maximum storing time of alkaline preserved by ‐ products is 14 days. The process can be practical for eliminating harm from bacteria, viruses or parasites. The alternative methods for storing by ‐ products are freezing or silage production. Moist diet produced from by ‐ products from the northern region of the Westfjords in Iceland seems to be economically promising option. The legislation from the European Union does not forbid using by-products from wild cod as a raw material in production of moist diet.

View report

Reports

Isolation and processing of bioactive peptides from underutilized species of marine organisms - preparation and formation of networks

Published:

01/05/2007

Authors:

Sigurður Vilhelmsson, Guðmundur Gunnarsson, Guðjón Þorkelsson

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund

Contact

Guðjón Þorkelsson

Strategic Scientist

gudjon.thorkelsson@matis.is

Isolation and processing of bioactive peptides from underutilized species of marine organisms - preparation and formation of networks

In this preliminary project, preparations were made for the establishment of a center in the Westman Islands that will specialize in research, processing and marketing of products made from by-products of fish processing and underutilized species. The long-term goal is to start processing bioactive substances from seafood. To bridge the gap between raw material sourcing and specialized processing of bioactive substances, the center was expected to embark on projects that increase the value of by-products. A network was formed to ensure the development of skills and knowledge regarding the processing of bioactive and pharmaceutical forms. The network brought together both foreign and domestic researchers and stakeholders. Applications for collaborative projects were sent to Nordforsk and the NORA Fund, as well as applications to the ACP Fund with companies in Iceland for slag digestion processing, value added and product development. These emphases were also successfully incorporated into proposals for the Growth Agreement of the South, which was signed in October 2006. The collaboration will continue and the aim is to establish large international research projects on bioactivity in seafood. Special attention is paid to the 7th EC Framework Program. The group is also working on reviewing the status of each individual's knowledge and skills, and subsequently aims to publish a peer-reviewed review article on bioactive peptides in seafood.

The foundation of an R&D center in Vestmannaeyjar for utilizing marine byproducts by turning them into commercially viable products was prepared. The aim of the center is to establish state of the art of the processing of bioactive compounds from marine by-products and underutilized species. A small Nordic knowledge network to build competence and skills regarding bio processing of bio- and pharmaceutically active compounds was also established. The network now consists of scientists and industry related stakeholders from Norway, Scotland, Finland and Iceland. The network partners have decided to work together on joint international grant applications for R&D projects in marine bioprocessing. The network is currently comparing resources of knowledge and subsequently the aim is to publish a peer reviewed state of the art review of marine bioactive peptides.

View report
EN