TU Dublin and BioAtlantis explore potential of fish byproducts in the circular economy
Life
Dr Azza Silotry Naik, TU Dublin and John T. O’Sullivan, BioAtlantis
A new research project led by Technological University Dublin and BioAtlantis is aiming to transform fish processing by-products into high value biomolecules through state-of-the-art bioprocessing techniques.
The initiative, VASEACAD (Valorising Seafood Side Streams, Residues, Unwanted Catches and Discards), is funded under the EU-SBEP-2 Call (Second Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership) and is supported by the Marine Institute.
The project brings together 10 partners from across the EU and has been awarded funding of €1.6 million, including €299,525 granted to TU Dublin.
The goal is to create functional and sustainable ingredients for commercial use, supporting a circular and resource-efficient bioeconomy.
Principal investigator Dr Azza Silotry Naik explained: “This project represents an exciting opportunity to develop sustainable solutions for marine by-products by leveraging bioprocessing to create ingredients with functional and commercial potential. I’m proud to collaborate with BioAtlantis and grateful to the Marine Institute for recognising the importance of this work in supporting both sustainability and innovation.”
Headquartered in Co Kerry, BioAtlantis specialises in bioactives derived from marine and terrestrial sources. It is home to the largest seaweed extraction facility in Ireland and Britian and has a long track record of collaborating with academic institutions.
Discussing the partnership, John T. O’Sullivan, CEO of BioAtlantis, said: “This project not only supports the circular blue bioeconomy, but also aligns with our commitment to developing sustainable, science-based solutions.”
The Marine Institute, Ireland’s national agency for marine research and innovation, welcomed the project’s alignment with national priorities for sustainability and resource efficiency.
Veronica Cunningham, Research Funding Office Manager; Marine Institute commented: “We are pleased to support the VASEACAD project under the EU Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership. Valorisation of marine side streams is critical to reducing waste, supporting innovation, and strengthening Ireland’s marine bioeconomy. Projects like this demonstrate the strength of collaborative research in delivering solutions that benefit the environment and provide opportunities for industry too.”
TechCentral Reporters