Aquaterra, a land-based source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, earns Friend of the Sea first

Nuseed Nutritional’s Aquaterra aquafeed production process has earned Friend of the Sea’s first biotechnology certification.

Aquaterra is considered to be the “world's first non-marine source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids,” Milan, Italy-based Friend of the Sea said in a press release. The additive, which can be used as a partial replacement for fish oil in feed, offers a microalgae nutritional profile via renewable canola grown on existing cropland.

According to Nuseed Nutritional, Aquaterra can reduce Fish In Fish Out (FIFO) ratios by as much as 62 percent when it is used in aquafeed oil mix, while also improving omega-3/omega-6 and DHA/EPA ratios.

“The unique fatty-acid profile enhances production performance by elevating total omega-3 levels needed for higher-quality nutritious fish,” Friend of the Sea said.

Nuseed Nutritional General Manager Benita Boettner views the Friend of the Sea certification as reinforcement that the firm’s sustainability efforts are on the right track.

"The Friend of the Sea certification confirms Nuseed’s commitment to responsible agriculture and solving environmental challenges through the power of plants. Aquaterra has the potential to double the world’s supply of DHA without pressuring ocean resources,” Boettner said.   

Photo courtesy of Friend of the Sea and Nuseed Nutritional