SciTransfer
MEESO · Project

Turning Deep-Ocean Fish Into Safe, Sustainable Feed and Food Ingredients

foodTestedTRL 5
meeso.org

Imagine there's a massive layer of tiny fish and shrimp living in the deep ocean — between 200 and 1,000 meters down — that almost nobody fishes. Scientists estimate there are around 10 billion metric tons of this stuff, making it one of the last big untapped food sources on the planet. MEESO figured out how to catch it, process it on board ships and on land, and checked whether it's safe to eat or use as animal feed. They also mapped out the environmental trade-offs so we don't wreck another ecosystem chasing cheap protein.

By the numbers
10 billion metric tons
Estimated global mesopelagic biomass — one of the largest unexploited marine resources
20
Consortium partners across the project
10
Countries represented in the consortium
4
Industry partners involved in the project
33
Total project deliverables produced
The business problem

What needed solving

The global demand for protein — especially fishmeal for aquaculture and livestock feed — keeps growing, but traditional fish stocks are maxed out or declining. Companies need new, sustainable raw material sources that are safe, cost-effective, and available at scale. Mesopelagic species represent a massive untapped resource, but until now nobody had the technology to catch them efficiently or the data to prove they're safe to process into feed and food.

The solution

What was built

MEESO delivered prototype-scale processing methods for both on-board and land-based conversion of mesopelagic biomass into marketable products. They built new acoustic detection and trawling technologies for deep-ocean fishing, created an open-access database of contaminants, nutrients, and nutraceuticals in mesopelagic species, and developed governance and management roadmaps for sustainable exploitation — totaling 33 deliverables across the project.

Audience

Who needs this

Fishmeal and fish oil producers looking for alternative raw material sourcesAquaculture feed companies facing rising ingredient costsFishing vessel operators and marine equipment manufacturers seeking new fishing groundsNutraceutical and omega-3 supplement companies diversifying supply chainsFisheries management authorities developing regulations for deep-ocean resources
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Aquaculture & Animal Feed
mid-size
Target: Fish meal and animal feed ingredient producers

If you are a feed ingredient company struggling with rising fishmeal prices and supply shortages — this project developed and tested processing methods for turning mesopelagic biomass into feed-grade ingredients. They built a contaminant and nutrient database so you can verify safety before scaling, and produced prototype batches for market evaluation. With an estimated 10 billion metric tons of mesopelagic biomass available globally, this could diversify your raw material supply.

Fishing Technology & Marine Engineering
SME
Target: Fishing vessel equipment manufacturers and trawling technology firms

If you are a fishing technology company looking for the next growth market — MEESO developed new acoustic detection and trawling technologies specifically designed for mesopelagic depths. These tools solve the core problem that conventional gear doesn't work well below 200 meters. The consortium of 20 partners across 10 countries validated these technologies during scientific surveys, giving you a head start on equipment nobody else is building yet.

Nutraceuticals & Marine Bioactives
any
Target: Companies producing omega-3 supplements, marine oils, or functional food ingredients

If you are a nutraceutical company facing competition for traditional fish oil sources — MEESO created an open-access database cataloguing contaminants, nutrients, and nutraceuticals found in mesopelagic species. They also determined processing factors that predict final contaminant levels in derived products. This lets you evaluate whether mesopelagic biomass fits your product safety and quality requirements before investing in supply chain development.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to start using mesopelagic biomass as a feed ingredient?

The project did not publish specific cost-per-ton figures for mesopelagic ingredients. However, deliverables specifically addressed the economics of both on-board and land-based processing methods, evaluating cost of processing against market possibilities. You would need to contact the consortium for detailed economic feasibility data.

Can this scale to industrial production volumes?

MEESO produced prototype batches of scaled processes specifically for market evaluation. The raw resource is enormous — the objective cites an estimated 10 billion metric tons of mesopelagic biomass globally. However, moving from prototype to industrial scale would require further investment in fishing fleet capacity and processing infrastructure.

Who owns the IP and how can I license the technology?

This was a publicly funded Research and Innovation Action (RIA) with 20 consortium partners. IP ownership typically follows EU grant rules where each partner owns what they developed. For licensing acoustic technologies, trawling gear, or processing methods, you would need to approach the specific partner that developed the relevant technology.

Is the processed mesopelagic biomass safe for human consumption or animal feed?

MEESO built a dedicated database on contaminants, nutraceuticals, and nutrients, extending an existing open-access seafood database. They established processing factor databases to estimate final contaminant levels in feed ingredients derived from mesopelagic catches. This gives a scientific basis for food safety assessment, though regulatory approval would still be required in your market.

How far along are the fishing and processing technologies?

The consortium developed new acoustic and trawling technologies for mesopelagic depths and determined the most effective on-board and land-based processing methods. They produced prototype batches of selected scaled processes. Based on available project data, these are at demonstration stage — validated in operational conditions but not yet commercially deployed.

What products can actually be made from mesopelagic fish?

Deliverables covered both feed ingredients and products for the human food chain. The project evaluated processing methods for desired product types, cost of processing, and market possibilities. The contaminant and nutrient database helps identify which product categories are viable from a safety standpoint.

Is there a governance or regulatory roadmap for mesopelagic fishing?

MEESO specifically developed assessment and management roadmaps identifying trade-offs between exploitation, sustainability, and viability. They also explored governance options for mesopelagic resources. This is critical because no established fisheries management regime currently exists for these species in most waters.

Consortium

Who built it

MEESO brought together 20 partners from 10 countries, with a strong research backbone of 10 research organizations and 5 universities, complemented by 4 industry players. The consortium is coordinated by Norway's Institute of Marine Research (HAVFORSKNINGSINSTITUTTET), one of Europe's leading marine science institutions. The 20% industry ratio and just 1 SME suggest this is still research-driven rather than market-driven, but the presence of industry partners in fishing and processing indicates the team understood the need to bridge science and commercial application. The geographic spread across major fishing nations (Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Portugal) means the results are relevant to the key markets where mesopelagic fishing would actually happen.

How to reach the team

The coordinator is HAVFORSKNINGSINSTITUTTET (Institute of Marine Research) in Norway. SciTransfer can help identify the right contact person for your specific interest area.

Order a report on this consortiumSee HAVFORSKNINGSINSTITUTTET profile →
Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore mesopelagic biomass as a new ingredient source or learn about the fishing and processing technologies developed? Contact SciTransfer for a tailored brief connecting your business needs to MEESO's results.

Order a report on this topicMore in Food & Agriculture
More in Food & Agriculture
See all Food & Agriculture projects →
Portable Device Detects Beer Contamination at the Tap in Minutes, Not Days
INISH MINI-BAR
Open →
Automated Smart Traps That Monitor Crop Pests Remotely and Cut Insecticide Use
Trapview
Open →
Next-Generation Ice Machines That Keep Seafood Fresher, Longer, With Less Waste
nanoICE
Open →