AQUABIOPRO-FIT is an EU-funded project that will develop high-quality proteins and bioactive from European aquaculture, fisheries, and agriculture by-products.

This four-year project aims to promote the efficient utilization of these biomass streams. The way would be by increasing the concentration of nutrients and functional compounds while reducing waste. Applications of the results could serve fitness, health, and animal feed.

Therefore, the project is a response to the large quantities of raw materials from fisheries and aquaculture that are wasted or used in animal feed in Europe. This raw material constitutes a nutritious biomass rich in proteins, bioactive peptides, amino acids, and polyunsaturated fats, among others.

The clinical trials are beginning to bear fruit. The researchers have found that fish trimmings concentrate and fish oil have positive effects on depression, increase physical performance, and improve skin and hair.

Through analysis of the minerals and amino acids extracted from the residual raw materials, the researchers have gone even further. They have already increased production at both the processing facility in Bergen and Nofima’s pilot plant, Biotep, in Tromsø.

In addition, this project has even been brought to the attention of the Crown Prince. He was able to see how the researchers are working with the new feed raw materials.

The Storting (Norwegian Parliament) has approved the government’s new long-term research plan. In this research, sustainable food is more than a main objective, is a “social mission”. Thus, Nofima is an expert in this area and has already expressed its desire to bring its experience to the table.