DSM and Evonik introduce algal oil for sustainable fish farming

DSM and the German company Evonik have developed a new algae oil under the name Veramaris, which makes truly sustainable fish farming possible. Where currently about 16 million tons of feed fish have to be caught annually in order to breed large salmon, the extraction of fatty acids from natural marine algae makes it possible to breed fish without having to catch wild fish first.

Microalgae

The aquaculture industry is growing at about 5 to 6 percent annually. This is unsustainably increasing the pressure on the global supply of so-called wild feed fish. In Blair, USA, a start is now being made with the commercial production of Omega-3 fatty acids (rich in EPA and DHA) from microalgae. The capacity at the plant in Nebraska is equivalent to 1.2 million tons of wild-caught fish, 15% of market demand. The Blair location was deliberately chosen because it is located in the so-called Corn Belt. This is because the algae need a sugar-like substance to grow that can be extracted from corn.

A visualization of the Veramaris algal oil production process

Milestone

Salmon is a rich source of the two essential Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These are vital for healthy brain, eyes, heart and blood vessels.

The new technology will allow a step in the food chain to be skipped and reduce the pressure on wild fish stocks. Feike Sijbesma therefore sees Veramaris as a milestone. "The project fits perfectly into our strategy to tackle the world's biggest challenges in a targeted way. And to simultaneously create economic, ecological and social value for our partners. Veramaris is an exponent of the new DSM, as we have created it over the past decade."

Great interest in the market

Veramaris has signed contracts with the German retail chain Kaufland and the French retailer SuperMarché. They have Veramaris farmed Norwegian salmon (Lingalaks) on their shelves. There is also great interest from the Netherlands.
In the future, Veramaris' Omega fatty acids may become available for pet food or as supplements for humans.

Sources: Limburger, Feednavigator.com, Veramaris