Walid Battal
A promising initiative has emerged in Africa with the aim of making aquaculture more sustainable and productive through the use of insect proteins in aquaculture . Intervening in this sense, the IC АR-Cеntrаl Institutе of Brackishwаtеr Аquaculturе (CIBА) in India has recently signed a partnership with the start-up Loopworm , specializing in the production of proteins and oils derived from insects, to evaluate their use in fish food. This collaboration aims to reduce dependence on traditional protein sources such as fish and soy, while improving environmental sustainability aquaculture practices.
This partnership focuses on the introduction of insects as an alternative to traditional proteins in fish diets. Insects, rich in protein and essential fatty acids, offer a viable solution for improving fish nutrition while reducing the ecological footprint of aquaculture e. The startup Loopworm has already demonstrated the effectiveness of its products in other markets. Its potential in Africa could thus transform the continent’s aquaculture industry. In 2022, aquaculture in Africa represented 18% of global production. However, it faces several major challenges, linked to sustainability, profitability and resource efficiency. The use of insect proteins could thus significantly reduce the pressure on marine and terrestrial ecosystems.