Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Texas-based industrial biotechnology company, Meridian Biotech, local news reported.

Meridian Biotech produces high-value single-cell proteins from a variety of organic feedstocks for the aquaculture (shrimp and salmon) and pet food markets. The collaboration aims to focus on the production and testing processes of protein-rich meals derived from indigenous non-fish raw materials.

One of the major concerns faced by India’s fish habitats and marine ecosystems is the large-scale juvenile catch used for fishmeal production. The partnership aims to implement the industrial production of protein meals based on single-cell proteins and make them available at affordable costs to aquaculture farmers and reduce wild-caught fishmeal.

T. Pradeep Kumar, vice chancellor at Kufos, said the availability of this protein is expected to significantly reduce the rejection rate of Indian shrimp by the US and the European Union. With 55% of US shrimp imports originating from India, Indian shrimp farmers often face setbacks due to consignments being rejected on quality issues. The use of single-cell protein-based meals has the potential to address this challenge effectively.