From waste wood to aquafeed

Wood you believe it? Researchers at the University of Maine are developing a process they hope could convert waste timber into aquaculture feed – and sustainable aviation fuel.

The university is also being helped by a $10m (£7.9m) grant from the US Department of Agriculture.

It says that large volumes of wood, small trees and branches have been left in Maine’s forests following the decline in pulp and paper production in the state.

Even low-quality wood, however, has organic compounds called lignins that can be turned into fuel and sugars that can be made into proteins for fish feed.

Then project is being spearheaded by the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) and its director Clayton Wheeler said: “The new funding is key to developing creative and sustainable markets for underutilised 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 US Bioeconomy project (or SWF3) involves multiple partners.

They include 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 the sugars, lignin and other components from the wood. Arbiom will then use its own 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.

The University says fish feed, which usually includes fishmeal and fish oil, is a major expense for aquaculture.

Debbie Bouchard, director of the Aquaculture Research Institute, said: “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.”