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The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) will be hosting a virtual and in-person workshop to explore how macroalgae (seaweeds) and microalgae can improve sustainability and productivity in the world’s aquaculture industries.

Global aquaculture production of finfish and shrimp is growing rapidly and is projected to continue to grow faster than terrestrial animal production. There are multiple environmental and sustainability challenges associated with this growth in aquaculture including natural habitat conversion, wastewater and unsustainable harvest of fish meal and fish oil (FMFO). In particular, FMFO in aquafeeds causes ecological harm and food security impacts and to combat these issues there has been significant progress by the aquaculture industry in reducing FMFO in aquafeeds. However, with demand for aquaculture projected to grow there is a need to accelerate the development of cost-effective alternatives with lower ecological and food security footprints. An important opportunity exists to improve the environmental performance of finfish and shrimp aquaculture with micro and macroalgae.

The objective of the workshop is to convene leaders across the full value chain of algae production, feed formulation, and aquaculture to co-create a mutual understanding between industry, academics, and environmental NGOs on how macroalgae and microalgae can improve the sustainability of aquaculture production systems. The state of the algae industry from research to inclusion in aquaculture production, environmental life cycle, and economics will be presented by expert panels. A goal will be to define a post-workshop process to develop a logic model that defines the barriers and challenges to achieve algae meal / oil at nutritional and economic equivalence to fish meal / oil so the opportunity that algae presents can be realized.

The format during the 1-day meeting includes expert panels focused on:

• Current State of the Algae Industry and Research
• Technoeconomic and Sustainability Targets
• Feasibility of Further Inclusion of Algae in Aquafeeds
• Discussion Panel – Opportunities, Barriers, and Challenges
• Breakout Discussions

A summary report with recommendations for next steps will be drafted after the workshop for review by the participants followed by public dissemination. The workshop will be recorded and made available after the event.

The workshop will be hosted by the Algae Biomass Organization Future of Algae for Food and Feed Committee and will have a “hybrid format” with both Zoom and in-person participation.

Fill in this form to express your intent to participate: Express interest.

If you have questions or would like to see a meeting agenda, please contact Rebecca White at rwhite@algaebiomass.org.