In September 2024, Associate Professor Monica Betancor from the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture travelled to Temuco, Chile, to participate in the Seminario Internacional de Nutrición de Peces: Ingredientes Funcionales y Sustentables. The two-day event, held at the Universidad Católica de Temuco on the 12th and 13th of September, brought together experts from across the globe to discuss the future of aquaculture nutrition, focusing on sustainable and functional ingredients for fish diets.
Chile, renowned for its thriving salmon industry, faces growing environmental challenges such as climate change and water scarcity, alongside the pressure to meet global demand for fish. The seminar explored these issues, seeking to find innovative solutions that could ensure the long-term sustainability of aquaculture. Monica’s presentations were central to this discussion, as she shared her expertise on the future of fish nutrition.
Presentation Highlights
Monica delivered two key presentations during the seminar:
- Future Opportunities for Sustainable and Functional Ingredients in Aquaculture Nutrition
In this talk, Monica outlined emerging opportunities for the production of new, sustainable ingredients that can support the aquaculture industry in reducing its reliance on traditional fishmeal and fish oil. She emphasised the need to balance environmental sustainability with production efficiency to ensure the industry’s growth remains economically viable. - Genetically Modified Plant Oils in Salmon Diets
Monica also presented on the use of genetically modified plant-derived oils as a sustainable alternative to fish oils in salmon diets. These plant-based oils offer a cost-effective solution that aligns with both environmental conservation goals and industry demands. She discussed how these oils could be scaled up for commercial use, representing a significant step forward for sustainable salmon production.
A Promoter of Innovation
The event attracted considerable attention from key media outlets such as Mundo Acuicola, Salmonexpert, and InfoSALMON, which praised the seminar for its focus on innovative solutions in aquaculture. The articles highlighted the event as a platform for new ideas in fish nutrition, where experts discussed the potential for hemp and microalgae as alternatives to traditional feed ingredients. Monica’s insights on genetically modified oils resonated with many attendees, keen to explore such solutions further.
Strengthening Synergy Between Sectors
A key theme of the seminar was the synergy between agriculture and aquaculture, particularly in the southern regions of Chile. With the growing demand for sustainable practices, there is a push to incorporate agricultural by-products into fish diets, fostering a stronger connection between these two vital sectors. Monica’s work ties directly into this effort, promoting research that bridges gaps between environmental needs and aquaculture production.
Monica’s participation in the seminar solidified her role as a leader in sustainable aquaculture research.
Her presentations on plant-based oils and future ingredients offer a glimpse into the next generation of fish nutrition solutions. As Chile continues to innovate within the aquaculture sector, events like this seminar provide an important space for collaboration, with experts like Monica contributing to global conversations on sustainability.