Gothenburg, Sweden – Seaqure Labs, a newly established company, is making waves in aquaculture with its innovative approach to creating sustainable, protein-rich fish feed derived from fungi. This groundbreaking method has earned Seaqure a finalist spot in the Global Seafood Alliance’s Responsible Seafood Innovation Awards, set to take place at the Responsible Seafood Summit on October 22 in St Andrews, Scotland.
Co-founder and COO Albin Frick explained that the fungi, already utilized in the tempeh industry, thrive on agricultural byproducts. Through a fermentation process similar to beer production, the fungi generate a mycoprotein powder boasting over 60% protein content. This sustainable method eliminates the need for fishmeal and soybean in feed, thus reducing waste and environmental impact.
Frick emphasized that Seaqure’s fungi feed not only decreases reliance on wild-caught fish but also enhances fish health, as it offers a superior amino acid profile. Their research indicates that the feed has prebiotic properties, which can lower antibiotic requirements and improve fish survival rates. The targeted inclusion rate of 5% to 15% in total feed allows for efficient production, maximizing output with minimal resource use.
With a small production line currently operational in Gothenburg, Seaqure has initiated partnerships with fish farms and is exploring additional feedstock sources, including potato peels from Scotland and Ireland. Frick, alongside co-founder and CTO Sajjad Karimi—who holds a double Ph.D. in fish nutrition—aims to expand the application of their fungi-based protein beyond aquaculture to other sectors, including pet food and human consumption.
Recognized as one of the top 10 promising aquaculture innovations at the North Atlantic Seafood Forum, Seaqure Labs is poised to make a significant impact on the future of sustainable fish farming.
