A Scottish startup named MiAlgae is developing a sustainable solution to aquaculture's reliance on wild-caught fish for feed by cultivating microalgae using waste products from the Scotch whisky industry. The company's founder and CEO, Douglas Martin, explained that farmed fish, which are carnivores, require Omega-3 fatty acids that are typically extracted from wild fish oil. This practice puts significant pressure on already depleted wild fish populations.
MiAlgae's approach bypasses the need to catch wild fish by growing microalgae, the original source of Omega-3s. The process involves feeding the nutrient-rich liquid waste generated from whisky production to algae cells in large stainless steel tanks. This method addresses the cost challenges that have previously hindered algae cultivation as a viable alternative to fish oil.
The company's current product is dried algae, which is supplied to aquafeed and pet food manufacturers as a direct substitute for ingredients derived from wild fish. MiAlgae is in the process of constructing its first commercial production facility, which is expected to yield thousands of tonnes of product annually. While this is a significant step, Martin acknowledges it is still a fraction of the global demand for Omega-3s.
Martin aims for MiAlgae's product to be cost-competitive with fish oil, focusing on the value delivered per unit of Omega-3. The company's credibility has been boosted by its recognition as a finalist in the Earthshot Prize in 2024, a platform Martin credits with significant positive impact.
