The use of dead animals in feed is prohibited under Norwegian and EU regulations.
Geir Mogen, Sintef
The dFuse project, funded by the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund (FHF) and led by SINTEF Ocean, aims to develop innovative methods, products, and documentation based on dead fish silage for feed production.
The research team will also evaluate the effects of processing on biosafety and the suitability of these products for cultivating low-trophic organisms, such as insects and marine invertebrates.
According to initial analyses, SINTEF reports that both the oil and protein from dead fish have a "promising" quality and composition for use in feed. Due to this and the strict regulations surrounding such use, rapid and proper handling of dead fish is essential.
"Although the most important contribution to value creation comes from the industry’s efforts to prevent mortality and improve fish welfare, the proper treatment of dead fish is also important for resource utilization," warns Jørund Larsen, Head of Science at FHF.
Finally, experts emphasize that better resource utilization and increased value creation from fish that die in cages are key elements of the circular bioeconomy. They also note that, in principle, the use of dead animals in feed is prohibited under Norwegian and EU regulations.
Additionally, Mowi, SINTEF, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences own the Blue Revolution Center, a Norwegian research station facility that focuses on salmon farming under exposed conditions and rough weather.
In September 2024, around 13,500 salmon escaped from this center. This kind of incidents encourages researchers to evaluate various technological solutions designed to ensure fish welfare in tough environments.