THE ICAR-Central Institute of Marine Fisheries Research has developed eco-friendly fish feed based on black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal, as part of its efforts to make the aquaculture industry sustainable. This will help reduce reliance on traditional fishmeal, which is often linked to overfishing and fluctuating prices, a press release said.

CMFRI transferred the technology to Amala Ecoclean, a start-up focused on sustainable waste management and environmental solutions, for large-scale commercial production.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by the director of CMFRI, Grison George, and the director of Amala Ecoclean, Joseph Niclavose. This collaboration will allow the technology to reach fish farmers across the country.

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Grinson George, director of CMFRI, said innovation drives sustainable and profitable practices in the aquaculture industry.

According to the research team at CMFRI’s Division of Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health, this feed is highly effective in maintaining the growth rate of farmed fish species, making it a viable substitute for conventional food ingredients such as fish meal and soy.

Using BSF larvae meal as a protein source, this fish food offers a sustainable alternative to fish meal.

Black soldier fly larvae are packed with essential nutrients, including 40-45% protein, as well as fats, amino acids and other essential nutrients.

These larvae feed on a variety of organic waste, making them a sustainable source of protein. After processing, the larvae are made into a defatted meal that can be easily incorporated into fish feed formulations.

This food provides a balanced diet promoting the growth and health of farmed fish. This feed has been proven to improve overall feed conversion rate, which could result in savings for fish farmers.

Grinson George said the technology would help address two crucial environmental concerns: reducing waste and providing a sustainable source of protein for aquaculture. This is part of global efforts to make aquaculture environmentally friendly and reduce the environmental footprint of fish farming.

Initial trials have demonstrated that the larvae feed is as effective as conventional feeds, without compromising the performance or growth of aquaculture species, the press release states.

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