Researchers at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), backed by funding from the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC), are pioneering a chemical-free method to treat aquaculture waste. Collaborating with Scottish Sea Farms, Power and Water, and Tradebe, the initiative aims to repurpose byproducts within the farmed salmon sector, potentially as a protein-rich feed ingredient.
The water treatment system, supplied by Power and Water, utilizes electrochemical processes and ultrasound technology at Scottish Sea Farms’ Barcaldine Hatchery. It extracts excess water from waste, leaving nutrient-rich material to nourish marine worms, contributing to the growth of ocean life.
Dr. Georgina Robinson, lead researcher at SAMS, highlights the circular approach’s potential to turn aquaculture waste into valuable co-products, benefitting the sector as sustainable feed ingredients. The collaboration seeks to diversify and expand the range of byproducts delivered, addressing waste at its source.
The research’s second stage involves evaluating the nutritional profile of the marine worms, including protein and fatty acids, to assess their suitability as aquaculture feed. The remaining wastewater undergoes further filtration using natural seaweed to absorb nitrogen and phosphorus.
SAMS plans to bring this circular concept to market through a spinout named N-ovatio-N early next year. The project aims to demonstrate environmental benefits and explore higher-value commercial possibilities for co-products while reducing the environmental footprint of aquaculture.
Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC, emphasizes the importance of collaborative research initiatives in minimizing the environmental impact of aquaculture and enhancing its economic contr
