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Maine researchers seek to transform wood waste into aquafeed ingredient

Responsible Seafood Advocate

Backed by a $10M USDA grant, University of Maine researchers are transforming wood waste into sustainable jet fuel and aquaculture feed

aquaculture feed
Backed by a $10 million USDA grant, University of Maine researchers are transforming wood waste into sustainable jet fuel and aquaculture feed. Photo by Mike Bird.

University of Maine researchers are investigating how to convert low-value wood waste into sustainable jet fuel and aquaculture feed, backed by a $10 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant.

Millions of pounds of low-value wood, like small trees and branches, have been left in Maine’s forests due to the decline in pulp and paper production, drought, fire suppression and reduced demand. However, low-quality wood has organic compounds called lignins that can be turned into fuel and sugars that can be made into proteins for fish feed.

“The Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) is excited to lead this interdisciplinary project,” said FBRI Director Clayton Wheeler. “The new funding is key to developing creative and sustainable markets for underutilized forest biomass while prioritizing the inclusive values that are important to advancing equitable rural development in Maine.”

The Sustainable Wood to Fuel and Fish Feed for Strengthening the U.S. Bioeconomy project (or SWF3) involves multiple partners: the FBRI, Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI), the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell), USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Arbiom, a North Carolina and France-based manufacturer of protein ingredients for human and animal food.

FBRI will separate sugars, lignin and other components from the wood. Arbiom will then use its special fermentation process to turn these into proteins. ARS and ARI will work together to mix these proteins into fish feed and conduct studies on salmon growth and digestion.

Wood you believe it – a fish feed ingredient from the forest?

Fish feed, which usually includes fishmeal and fish oil, is a major expense for aquaculture. Creating proteins from wood sugars for fish feed could be cheaper and more sustainable, reducing dependence on fishmeal and natural fisheries.

“The Aquaculture Research Institute is thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project,” said ARI Director Debbie Bouchard. “By converting low-quality wood into an ingredient for sustainable fish feed, we’re not only addressing a critical need in aquaculture but also enhancing the economic value of Maine’s forests. This innovative approach will pave the way for more resilient and sustainable aquaculture practices.”

Arbiom was a finalist in the Global Seafood Alliance’s Innovation Award in 2019.

Read more about the project here.

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