Santiago, Chile-based Blumar Seafoods recently announced a collaboration with Veramaris to trial the latter's algal-oil based feed.
The two companies will create a new feed protocol containing EPA and DHA omega-3 using Veramaris algal oil, which has joint certification from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Marine Stewardship Council, the companies announced in a press release.
The new program will introduce the Veramaris algail oil into aquaculture feed supplied by Skretting, and then follow Veramaris’ Optimum Omega Nutrition guidelines to maintain the health, welfare, and nutritional needs of the Atlantic salmon.
Blumar said the move is part of its effort to attain its environmental goals and decrease its dependency on wild-capture forage fish for omega-3s. The company said more than 75 percent of the company's Atlantic salmon has been certified under the Aquaculture Stewardship Council standard.
“At Blumar, we are acutely attuned to our customers' demands for sustainability beyond certification. This partnership aligns three strategic partners who share commitments to the environment, efficiency, and value-creation; innovation and learning; and the value of long-term, trusting business relationships,” Blumar CEO Gerardo Balbontin said.
Veramaris, an aquafeed specialist based in Delft, The Netherlands, is internationally recognized for innovation in science and specialty chemicals. The company was the first to be recognized under a joint ASC and MSC standard, and the company opened a USD 200 million (EUR 195 million) facility in Blair, Nebraska, U.S.A. to manufacture its algal oil for use in aquaculture feed.
"Through this value chain collaboration, Blumar is taking the lead by improving its sustainability performance while also strengthening its offerings for Americans in line with changing consumer demands," Veramaris CEO Karim Kurmaly said. "By using Veramaris algal oil and the Optimum Omega Nutrition guidelines, Blumar will improve product quality and yield and de-risk their supply chain with less reliance on wild-capture forage fish. It’s wonderful to see Blumar embrace the science of omega-3 nutrition and realize the full potential of algal oil."
Photo courtesy of Veramaris
