The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (IOF) is a leading multidisciplinary research institution dedicated to advancing marine science, fisheries biology, and mariculture. IOF places strong emphasis on promoting the circular economy by fostering resource efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring the responsible use of marine resources. IOF participated in the implementation of the Interreg Italy–Croatia project Enhancing Innovation and Sustainability in Adriatic Aquaculture (AdriAquaNet), which focused on developing an innovative approach to formulating feed composition for farmed white fish species (European seabass and gilthead seabream). In addition, within the project Environmentally Sustainable Aquaculture – Fundamental Issues and Practical Applications (SUSTAINAQUA), funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (2021–
2026), IOF is also carrying out an evaluation of the potential application of extruded feed based on sustainable protein sources for farmed Atlantic bluefin tuna. Recently, in collaboration with Cromaris d.d., the largest Croatian producer of white fish, an experimental feeding trial on meagre was successfully completed, testing the potential of poultry processing by-products as a substitute for fishmeal.
sustainable aquaculture, sustainable aquafeeds, by-products, alternative protein sources
We are currently seeking partners for the development of sustainable aquafeed solutions for farmed fish, with a particular focus on alternative sources of proteins, fatty acids, and dietary fibre. Building on our institute’s ongoing research in innovative feed formulation and sustainable aquaculture, we are interested in collaborative projects aimed at reducing the dependence of aquaculture on conventional marine-derived feed ingredients such as fishmeal and fish oil.
Our research interest includes the identification, testing, and validation of renewable and circular raw materials, including agro-industrial by-products, animal processing by-products, plant-based ingredients, microbial biomass, insect-derived ingredients, algae, and other novel sustainable feed resources. We are especially interested in solutions that support the principles of the circular economy by valorising underutilised side-streams and converting them into high-value feed components for aquaculture.
Through previous and ongoing projects, our institution has developed experience in evaluating innovative feed formulations for farmed marine species, including European seabass, gilthead seabream, meagre, and Atlantic bluefin tuna. We are interested in partnerships that combine expertise in aquaculture nutrition, feed technology, ingredient processing, sustainability assessment, circular bioeconomy, and the practical validation of feed performance under experimental and/or commercial farming conditions.
We welcome cooperation with research institutions, universities, feed producers, aquaculture companies, technology providers, and other stakeholders interested in jointly developing sustainable, nutritionally balanced, and economically feasible aquafeed products for Mediterranean and Adriatic aquaculture systems.
