UK.- Aquaculture, the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, is now the fastest growing food sector globally due to a rapidly increasing population. It is estimated cultured fish will make up 62% of the fish consumed by people by 2030.
“There are, however, limitations with traditional aquaculture approaches, such as a lack of available freshwater and space for expansion of existing facilities,” Professor Rowan explained.
“The advances being made in the use of cutaway peatland and poor agricultural land for freshwater fish farming will enable us to meet increased demand for sustainable food production.”
Peatland-based aquaculture differs from traditional aquaculture in that it harnesses water from rivers and lakes, whereas the traditional system must consider the environmental impact of expansion and possible threats from potential pollutants in raw, untreated wastewater such as agricultural run-off.
The researchers, among the Dr Emma Jane Murphy, a lead postdoctoral researcher within Athlone Institute of Technology’s Bioscience Research Institute, will harness the power of microalgae using real-time technologies.
“We will be conducting the first studies on novel extraction of immune-stimulating bioactives and nutrients from these microalgae to see if they can be used to support a healthy fish population,” Dr Murphy explained.
According to Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, president of Athlone Institute of Technology, this cross-cutting eco-innovation project “highlights the great strides our world-leading researchers are making on a global stage in terms of addressing pressing societal challenges.”
He also said that it served as a further testament to the institute’s role as a driver of growth and innovation within the Midlands.
“Aligned with the Regional Enterprise Plan 2020, the research will ensure that the Midlands is well positioned to address the challenges posed by Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy and renewable energy while harnessing the potential for sustainable food production and growth of these industries.”
Mr Damien Toner, who is an aquaculture technical specialist with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), said Bord Na Móna, in conjunction with BIM, has further expanded use of cutaway bogs in order to develop Ireland’s first integrated recirculation process for high value fish production holding European perch and rainbow trout using organic principles.
“This low-cost, environmentally-friendly aquaculture applied research will aid the development of new eco-innovations and contribute to Ireland’s position as a leading innovator in aquaculture that will underpin production efficiency and sustainability leading to increased competitiveness globally,” he explained.
Peatland-based aquaculture will also provide jobs for workers – ultimately helping preserve rural communities in the Midlands.
In 2015, Bord na Móna announced it was transitioning towards a more sustainable business model and that it would cease harvesting peat for energy completely by 2030.
The AQUAALGAE+ initiative is strongly aligned with Ireland’s FoodWise2025 policy that seeks to grow food exports by 85% to €19bn by 2025.
The project is part funded by the Irish Government and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund under the Knowledge Gateway Scheme and administered by BIM, Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency.
Reference:
O’Neill, Emer & Stejskal, Vlastimil & Clifford, Eoghan & Rowan, Neil. (2019). Novel use of peatlands as future locations for the sustainable intensification of freshwater aquaculture production – A case study from the Republic of Ireland. Science of The Total Environment. 136044. 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136044. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969719360401
Source: Athlone Institute of Technology
