Aquaculture project named 2012 best invention

The Velella Mariculture Project has been named to Time magazine’s “50 Best Inventions of 2012” list.

The project tested a form of open ocean aquaculture, raising kampachi fish in a pen drifting on ocean currents three to 75 miles off the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The project was successfully completed in February. The kampachi were fed a sustainable commercial diet that replaced a significant amount of fishmeal and fish oil with soy and other alternative agricultural proteins. No antibiotics, hormones or pesticides were used throughout the seven-month trial.

“The fish thrived in the research net pen far from shore, with phenomenal growth rates and superb fish health… and without any negative impact on water quality, the ocean floor, wild fish or marine mammals,” Neil Anthony Sims, co-CEO of Kampachi Farms, said.

Citing the growing global demand for Omega-3-rich marine fish and flat wild fish catches, Time said the potential for an aquaculture method that has no discernible environmental impact.

The project was partially funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff program, which is a major supporter of innovative aquaculture technology and feed research.

“This honor further validates the commitment of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) to fund visionary research that develops cutting-edge aquaculture technologies and soy-based feed to help grow a sustainable supply of healthy seafood,” said Duane Dahlman, soybean farmer from Marengo, Ill., and ISA vice chair for aquaculture.  

In September, the project was also featured on an episode of “Alien Deep” on the National Geographic Channel.
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