Aquafeed Upgraded: Enhancing Immune Function with Seaweed-modified Functional Compounds (AquaUp)

Short description of the project: AquaUp is a three-year project funded by the EU Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership aimed at developing sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible technologies to unlock the nutritional and functional potential of seaweed for use in aquaculture feeds, improving fish growth, immune response and disease resistance while reducing reliance on antibiotics and harmful chemicals.

Expected results: The project is expected to deliver several key outcomes. First, it will identify and characterise seaweed-derived bioactive compounds with functional properties such as immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and prebiotic effects. Technologically, the project will develop a sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable biorefinery process for seaweed that avoids harmful chemicals, enabling the production of high-quality feed ingredients. Additionally, prototype aquafeed formulations incorporating these modified seaweed ingredients will be created and tested for improved digestibility and nutritional value. From an environmental and economic perspective, the project will provide evidence of reduced reliance on antibiotics and synthetic chemicals, contributing to a circular blue economy. Finally, life cycle and economic assessments will be carried out to confirm the environmental benefits and commercial viability of seaweed-based functional ingredients compared to conventional alternatives.

Application/relevance: AquaUp will help grow the aquaculture industry by creating  alternative aquatic feeds enriched with functional compounds that can enhance feed quality, promote animal health, and minimise environmental impact.