Aquaculture is an industry that has the potential to reduce fishing pressure on targeted wild fish stocks and contribute to their recovery. However, it also relies heavily on small wild fish as feed, which adds to environmental stress as these fish populations are declining. If we can replace fish-based feed with ingredients made from plants, aquaculture could become more sustainable and even help restore small fish populations.

The challenge is that major cultured carnivorous species such as yellowtail and tuna have very low metabolic efficiency for starch (carbohydrates), making substitution with plant-based feeds difficult. Furthermore, sugars and starches are materials that compete with human food and fuel demands.

To overcome these issues, this research project focuses on two main approaches:

1. Developing fish breeds that can grow well on feeds made mainly from plant-based ingredients instead of fish oil and fishmeal.
2. Creating new technologies to turn unused plant materials—such as cellulose—into high-quality feed.

Through this project, the research team aims to build a regenerative aquaculture system that benefits not only fisheries but also forestry and materials science.

Project Members