In this project we worked to find new methods for concentrating residual raw materials from, pelagic fish, farmed salmon, trout, sea bass and sea bream, and investigated the health effects of these.

Last update

Read in Norwegian

Start

01. Apr 2018

End

31. Dec 2022

Funded by

EU - Horizon 2020

Cooperation

Pelagia (NO), Marin Biogas (SE), Nofima (NO), University of Valencia (ES), Meat Technology Centre of Galicia (ES), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GR), University of Crete (GR), Biognosis (GR), Biointech (BG), Seagarden (NO) Vertech Group (FR), EFFoST (NL)

Press release

Films

Background

Large amounts of fish and side streams from fisheries and aquaculture are wasted or used in animal feeds in Europe.

These raw materials represent a nutrient rich biomass rich in proteins, bioactive peptides, LCω-3PUFAs, organic minerals, vitamins and more, that should be collected, preserved, extracted, and used for higher value products.

To achieve this goal considerable investments and new knowledge development is needed. Reliable documentation and consumer education as well as the establishment of appropriate legislative framework are indispensable so that marine biomass-based products can successfully reach and establish in the markets.

AQUABIOPRO-FIT, a BBI JU Horizon 2020 funded project led by Nofima, brought together an interdisciplinary team of experts that worked together to remove bottlenecks and fill gaps of knowledge in ingredient and product development using marine biomass.

The specific AQUABIOPRO-FIT goal was to enhance marine product value by creating unique fractions with a higher content of proteins, different peptides, and other target bioactive compounds, including soluble nitrogenous substances, highly unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.

We tested the quality and bioactivity of the different fractions chemically, in model systems (cell cultures and mice) and sensory panels. In addition, tunicate (Ciona intestinalis) culture was established leading to growing production and successful commercial applications production of extruded feeds for Atlantic salmon as well as ingredients for food products (tunicate protein meat-like balls) and taste enhancers (ciona umami fond). 

Finally, we developed the AQUABIOPRO-FIT nutritional supplements which were documented in 4 clinical studies with athletes, healthy volunteers testing pH-balance, skin, nail and hair quality and detoxification, and patients with depression, stress and/or anxiety disorder. The cost-efficiency, environmental and social aspects of the developed processes were assessed, and standard production protocols established and used in the developed life-long training courses, available on-line in the project’s web site.

Significant project results

  • Taste and odour neutral protein concentrates and marine collagen using different fish biomass sources by Seagarden in collaboration with Nofima.
  • Healthier meat products using marine biomass-based extracts by CETECA (Vigo, Spain).
  • Online long life learning courses by BioInTech (Bulgaria) and Biognosis (Greece) in collaboration with Marine Feed (Sweeden), University of Crete (Greece), Seagarden (Norway), Arditec (France) and Nofima (Norway).
  • Tunicate meal for salmon feeds, tunicate protein for burgers and tunicate umami fond as meat taste enhancer.
  • Significant positive skin health effects during the summer months in Greece, using the AQUABIOPRO-FIT nutritional supplement containing ingredients developed by Nofima, Seagarden and Pelagia/EPAX (Norway).
  • Significant positive effects against anxiety and depression, using the AQUABIOPRO-FIT nutritional supplement containing ingredients developed by Nofima, Seagarden and Pelagia/EPAX (Norway).
  • Significant effects on detoxification, using the AQUABIOPRO-FIT body balance nutritional supplement containing ingredients developed by Nofima, Seagarden and Pelagia/EPAX (Norway).
  • Significant effects on athlete performance and blood omega-3 levels using the AQUABIOPRO-FIT nutritional supplement containing ingredients developed by Seagarden and Pelagia/EPAX (Norway).

The clinical trials were performed in Greece, by Biognosis and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, following screening model studies performed by the University of Crete (Medicine School, Greece), Valencia University (Pharmacy school, Spain), Nofima (Norway) and BioInTech (Bulgaria).

The AQUABIOPRO-FIT activities was communicated using an animate video in Youtube, and in social media by EFFOST (The Netherlands) and the project achievements were disseminated in peer review publications, conference special sessions, webinars and the dedicated final AQUABIOPRO-FIT conference, all available on line.

Project website

AQUABIOPRO-FIT has its own website, where you can find more information, publications and follow the project’s activities.

Go to aquabioprofit.eu

Publications