Equipment at Biotep in Tromsø, Norway.
Photo: Audun Iversen, Nofima
A team of researchers at the Norwegian research institute Nofima is seeking solutions to fully utilize fish resources in order to improve health and male fertility.
Specifically, Senior Researcher Tone Aspevik has spent several years studying the benefits of salmon heads, a by-product that is currently often discarded.
"Across several research projects, we have found positive health effects from protein powder made from salmon heads. The powder has proven beneficial for skin, hair, and mental health," said Aspevik.
According to Nofima, declining male fertility affects approximately 17% of men in Norway, and these proteins could also improve sperm quality and, consequently, help increase male fertility.
State-of-the-art equipment at Nofima's Biotep pilot plant produces a protein powder containing more than 95% protein, along with essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.
In addition, the by-products are also reused: fish bones are sent to Italy to be studied for use in sunscreen, the extracted oil is used in animal feed ingredients, and the remaining water is reused to grow microalgae.
Nofima confirmed that the product has already been produced and will be sent to Lund University (Sweden), where volunteers will take part in the study to evaluate its effects, and human trials can now begin.
This initiative is part of the European BLUEWAYSE project, funded through the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, co-funded by the European Union (Horizon Europe) and national funding agencies, including the Research Council of Norway.