The F3 Challenge prize has doubled due to a donation of $100,000 from the sustainable aquaculture investment fund, Cuna del Mar. Therefore, the competitor who sells the most “fish-free” fish oil for aquaculture that meets the challenge criteria will win the $200,000 grand prize.

The F3 Fish Oil Challenge is an incentive prize designed to help accelerate commercial-scale ingredients for aquaculture feed that meet the nutritional requirements of fish to produce healthy seafood for consumers without utilizing wild-caught fish.

“Finding alternatives to wild-caught fish is essential for the future of aquaculture,” said Christy Walton, founder of Cuna del Mar. “We are excited to be part of this global effort by industry leaders to make fish-free animal feed a reality.”

As of the second sales reporting period, the four competitors have collectively sold 210,265 kilograms of F3 oil during the contest. Veramaris remains in the lead with the most oil sold. The four global competitors include China-based Guangdong Evergreen Feed Industry Co. Ltd., China-based Shen Zhen Alpha Feed Co. Ltd., Netherlands-based Veramaris and the UK/U.S.-based team Aquaculture Innovation/Qualitas Health.

The University of Arizona, University of Massachusetts Boston, Synbiobeta, Anthropocene Institute, Dawson Family Fund, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, The Campbell Foundation, Tides Foundation and The National Renderers Association are sponsors of the crowdfunded prize,  joined by the generous gift from Cuna del Mar.