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SURF AND TURF

Aquaculture has a sustainable future say experts - but only with the help of arable farming

  • 12
  • NOV
  • 2020

With all types of food production under fire for their environmental credentials, experts from both aquaculture and agriculture have joined forces to say a solution lies in greater collaboration.

According to the multidisciplinary team of scientists, integration between fish and arable farming could provide the sustainable food production the world needs – for example, by using genetically modified (GM) crops to meet the nutritional demands and expanding growth of global aquaculture.

Their innovative approach is outlined in a new paper – published in Nature Foods – with plant scientists from Rothamsted Research teaming up with aquaculture experts at the Universities of Stirling and Trondhiem. It follows a series of collaborative studies conducted by the three institutions looking at the impact of new feed types for farmed Atlantic salmon.

Last year’s landmark EAT-Lancet report stated that humanity needs to move away from animal protein towards a much more vegetarian diet as the only way to operate within planetary boundaries. At the same time, it suggested global fish consumption could be increased sustainably - but only if wild populations are protected from over-fishing.

Whilst farm reared fish would appear to be the answer, they too need a sustainable feed source say the group, and one that doesn’t compromise the nutritional content of the fish.

Lead author Rothamsted’s Professor Johnathan Napier said: “Agriculture and plant biotechnology have the potential to radically transform aquaculture, by providing new sources of important nutrients such as omega-3 fish oils in a manner that is not constrained by limited natural resources.

“The scalability of agriculture also means that supply can much better meet demand, helping aquaculture to further expand but without compromising either the environment or the nutritional quality of the fish. 

“Today we are proposing a more synergistic relationship between agriculture and aquaculture that will ultimately help us meet the recommendations of the EAT-Lancet report and the sustainable provisioning of the proposed ‘Planetary Health’ plate."

Aquaculture feeds are historically based on fishmeal and fish oil – both extracted from wild fish, however, the global expansion of aquaculture has meant that this practice has become unsustainable worldwide.

While terrestrial animal by-products – such as poultry meals, blood meal and tallow – have been used in some parts of the world, primary alternative ingredients have been derived from plant seed meals and vegetable oils.

Co-author Dr Monica Betancor, a fish nutritionist at the University of Strirling, said: “Fish feeds are becoming more plant-based and this impacts the nutritional profile of farmed fish. Plant biotechnology could offer a greener, sustainable future for aquaculture by providing beneficial omega-3 for fish and, in turn, boost levels in the human diet.”

As the nutrient composition of farmed fish is altered, there are also consequences for human nutrition – including reductions in minerals, such as iodine and selenium; vitamins, such as vitamin D; and most significantly in the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

Rothamsted have pioneered using GM crops to produce some of the specialised feed ingredients that aquaculture is dependent on, namely omega-3, and the research team have conducted a number of studies in recent years, specifically considering the viability and impact of using oils from GM oilseed crops in fish feed in providing the omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Professor Napier says that ultimately, the two systems – aquaculture and agriculture – will need to work in tandem to meet the challenges of operating within planetary boundaries and delivering optimal nutrition for a growing population.

He said: “It is our hope that the ideas outlined in this paper are just the starting point for a more integrated approach to sustainable aquaculture, one in which the major role of agriculture is fully incorporated.”

You can access the full paper free here

 

About Rothamsted Research
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking discoveries, from crop treatment to crop protection, from statistical interpretation to soils management. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative influence on fresh thinking and farming practices.
Through independent science and innovation, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally. In terms of the institute’s economic contribution, the cumulative impact of our work in the UK was calculated to exceed £3000 million a year in 20151. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines science and strategic research, interdisciplinary teams and partnerships.
Rothamsted is also home to three unique resources. These National Capabilities are open to researchers from all over the world: The Long-Term Experiments, Rothamsted Insect Survey and the North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
For more information, visit https://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/; Twitter @Rothamsted
1Rothamsted Research and the Value of Excellence: A synthesis of the available evidence, by Séan Rickard (Oct 2015)

About BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government.
BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.
Funded by government, BBSRC invested £469 million in world-class bioscience in 2016-17. We support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
More information about BBSRC, our science and our impact.
More information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes

About LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.