Omega-3 (n-3) long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), in particular EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) are essential dietary nutrients for human health. They play important roles in neural development, and immune and inflammatory responses as well as having beneficial effects in pathologies such as those affecting the cardiovascular and neurological systems or certain types of cancers. In short, Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to the health of everyone, at all stages of life.

Within the next 5 years non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and dementia will account for 75% of all deaths and 60% of all disability. Worldwide, the populations of developing countries including India, Kenya and Tanzania, are consuming much lower levels than the generally recommended daily dietary allowance (500 mg) of Omega-3. The burdens of these diseases are therefore projected to increase disproportionately in such countries.

Omega-3 is predominantly synthesized in marine micro-algae (phytoplankton), and macrophytes (seaweeds) which makes them the primary source of these critical nutrients in fish, and the human diet. Although aquaculture makes a major contribution to Omega-3 requirements, the marine ingredients, Fish Meal (FM) and Fish Oil (FO) are almost the exclusive source of n-3 LC-PUFA for farmed fish. Hence, sustainability of aquaculture as our main source of Omega-3 is dependent on availability. Collectively, and with increasing importance, there is a need to reduce the current gap between global supply and demand for Omega-3 while satisfying the nutrient requirements of a growing human population and, to simultaneously reduce the associated dependency on the finite and limited FM and FO resources.

Globally, carp and tilapia species dominate freshwater fin fish production, including developing countries such as India, Kenya and Tanzania. Interestingly, these species have also been shown to have the metabolic capacity to bio-synthesize EPA and DHA from ALA (α-linoleic acid), which is found in aquatic and terrestrial plants. Such species could therefore improve Omega-3 availability with a modified diet.

The importance of dietary Omega-3 for human health, our reliance on fish as a source, and the requirement for augmented production are globally recognized issues. This ultimately drove inception of  SNIPH. The aim  is therefore to improve the omega-3 LC-PUFA status of farmed carp and tilapia in India, Kenya and Tanzania for the benefit of local populations using indigenous, non-conventional feed ingredients. In this context, the project aims to assess the feasibility and potential of indigenous materials including macrophytes (freshwater plants), macro-algae (seaweeds) and microbes (including bacteria) as ingredients for fish feeds. Selected novel ingredients will be tested in carp and tilapia feeding studies for ability to support growth, development and health of farmed fish and, above all, to enhance nutritional quality through increased omega-3 LC-PUFA content. The project is all encompassing and interdisciplinary, bringing together the realms of bio-science and socio-economics with research partners based across the UK, India, Kenya and Tanzania.