The IEO-CSIC protocol is the first to cover all stages of the Hediste life cycle.
The Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC) has presented a protocol for the cultivation of the marine worm Hediste diversicolor, a species considered to have great potential for aquaculture feed.
This initiative aims to reduce dependence on fishmeal and fish oil, move towards circular economy models, and decrease the environmental impact of marine aquaculture.
The “ragworm” feeds on decomposing organic matter and represents a food source of great interest for high-value species such as shrimp and flatfish. In addition, it is rich in essential fatty acids, especially omega-3.
The IEO-CSIC protocol is the first to cover all stages of the Hediste life cycle—reproduction, juvenile production, grow-out, and intensive production—and will enable its exploitation on a commercial scale.
In this way, it will be possible to generate suitable biomass for the production of meals rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, restocking programs, or bioremediation processes of coastal seabeds.
"Although it can be integrated into multitrophic aquaculture systems, where species from different trophic levels coexist, the highest yields are achieved in independent cultures," warns Felipe Aguado, a researcher at the Santander Oceanographic Centre (IEO-CSIC).
According to a report published by Rabobank, fishmeal shortages will begin in 2028, while fish oil scarcity is expected to intensify throughout the decade. Dutch cooperative bank warns that this phenomenon will lead to greater price volatility and the establishment of higher benchmarks during future supply shocks.