Replacement of fish oil with algal oil in aquaculture feeds

There is a pressing need to reduce the use of fish-derived oil in aquaculture feeds to enhance the sustainability of food production in this industry. Oils from cultured single-celled algae could be developed to replace fish oil as these primary producers sit at the base of the aquatic food webs and are the root source of this oil. Fish and algal oils contain large quantities of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docohexaenoic acid (DHA), that are important to assure normal animal development in culture, optimise growth and ultimately the production of a high quality food product with associated health benefits to the consumer. The ability to manipulate the levels of EPA and DHA in algal oils is critical to the success of this novel fish oil replacement approach. While species, nutrients, salinity and lifecycle stage are all known to affect the fatty acid profiles of algal cells, few studies have examined the influence of light on algal LC-PUFA production. Therefore, this present project aims to examine the effects of various light parameters (e.g., intensity, photoperiod and spectrum) on algal production of LC-PUFA in an attempt to increase yields and manipulate the relative ratio of the EPA/DHA. Training will be provided in algal culture, fatty acid analysis, photometry, feed formulation, and use of algae in an aquaculture context.

The student will be based at the Institute of Aquaculture in the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Stirling, which is recognised internationally for its research and teaching excellence. In addition, this project is being undertaken in collaboration with Dr Wendy Higman at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the student will be expected to spend up to 3 months per year at the Cefas site in Weymouth. For further information, please email us at [Email Address Removed]