SATT Nord and biotechnology company BioNaMeris® sign a licensing agreement to produce a new generation of aquaculture feed
Aquaculture production is growing rapidly to meet increasing global demand (114 million tons in 2018; source: FAO). This increase requires control of the production of traditional and emerging marine species at all stages of farming, particularly the critical initial phase: the larval stage. To meet the demand for fish fry, crustacean post-larvae, and shellfish spat, hatcheries need to optimize their production performance during this phase of production. Zooplankton, and copepods in particular, are among the natural prey of fish larvae.
These crustaceans are the most natural and appropriate food source for larval rearing protocols due to their nutritional value. However, copepods remain difficult and costly to produce in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of hatcheries.
In response to these challenges, the University of Lille (Oceanology and Geosciences Laboratory, LOG) and the CNRS (NanoBioInterfaces team at the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology, IEMN) have developed a strategy combining natural solutions and nanotechnology. This new technology is based on the nano-formulation of natural compounds that significantly improve the productivity and quality of live prey such as artemia, rotifers, and especially copepods.
These nutritionally enriched copepods, incorporated into the larval feeding protocol, ultimately increase the survival, growth, and quality of fish in marine farms.
A technical and economic analysis enabled SATT Nord to confirm the value of the initial results obtained. However, before considering a transfer to the commercial sector, these results needed to be consolidated and further developed, which is what SATT Nord did by investing significant material and human resources in the maturation of the technology. During this period, an engineer was recruited, enabling the technology transfer to be prepared under favorable conditions and its potential for the application markets to be assessed.
"Part of the maturation phase took place at our experimental aquaculture station in Wimereux, where we compared several diets on sea bream larvae from the first feeding phase onwards. The larvae fed with enriched copepods showed the best results: better growth, a very good survival rate, and excellent physical quality. This patented French solution is an undeniable advantage for the future of aquaculture. It deserves to be developed with a view to new applications ." Olivier Poline, CEO of the Nouvelles Vagues Innovation Platform.
Given the project's development potential, SATT Nord decided to support the creation of a startup. A CEO was therefore sought and selected from a panel of candidates. The choice fell on Mr. Guillaume Pigeon, an experienced entrepreneur who quickly developed an ambitious project to develop and promote the technology by creating a new biotechnology company based in the Hauts-de-France region (Marquise) –BioNaMeris®.
Using this patented, groundbreaking technology,BioNaMeris® provides a high-performance, sustainable industrial model that produces unique, high-quality feed on a competitive scale.
BioNaMeris® makes it possible to put live prey that occur naturally in the environment, enriched with natural compounds, at the heart of the diet for sustainable aquaculture and an unparalleled improvement in terms of the quality, quantity, and diversity of the species produced.
"BioNaMeris® contributes to reducing the impact of human activities on ecosystems. It is a wonderful project that we are proud to have supported because it addresses the challenges that SATT Nord is working to solve: promoting more humane and sustainable development through research and innovation." Jean-Pierre Léac, Business Developer at SATT Nord.
BioNaMeris® aims to support fish, mollusk, and crustacean hatcheries through its production and research and development work, helping them to achieve their production targets. It also supports aquariums by developing ornamental fish farming to reduce the impact of harvesting on populations and their habitat.
"Like BioNaMeris®, Nausicaá is committed to the mission of conserving and preserving ecosystems. With this in mind, Nausicaá supports BioNaMeris® so that technology and expertise can respond to the environmental and social challenges we face. Together, we will succeed. " Christophe Sirugue, Managing Director of Nausicaá.