Farm-raised fish could become healthier both in the pond and on the plate if research under way at SIUC pans out.

Based at SIUC's Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, the project will focus on developing a cost-effective means of boosting the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in farm-raised fish. Various health researchers have found that people who eat fish with high levels of these polyunsaturated fats have less trouble with everything from heart disease and strokes to depression.

"We're interested in omega-3 long-chain fatty acids from the human nutritional standpoint, but we're also interested in them from the standpoint of the fish," says Christopher Kohler, director of the aquaculture center. "These components are beneficial to them in strengthening their immune systems, making them healthier. They're also better able to survive the cold of winter. A healthier fish is best for all of us, whether we raise it or eat it."

Kohler and his research team will concentrate on feed and feeding strategies because fish truly are what they eat, he says.

"If we feed them higher levels of these components, they will take on higher levels in their edible flesh--within certain ranges. Catfish, for example, are not very fatty fish. Hybrid striped bass, on the other hand, should be very amenable to this kind of manipulation. It's a good fish for our region, and we're going to make it better through the feed."

A three-year, $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's Partnerships for Innovation program is funding the work. The program fosters cooperation between educational institutions, private industry, and government agencies to transform knowledge into business ventures that can strengthen the economy. 

SIUC's partners are the Archer Daniels Midland Co. Animal Health and Nutrition division, the Illinois Fish Farmers Cooperative, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. ADM's Animal Health and Nutrition division will contribute its trademarked animal feed supplements for use in the feed trials, and some of its scientists may help with analysis, Kohler says. The Illinois Fish Farmers Cooperative will help round up members to take part in on-the-farm tests and also will process and store the fish involved. 

When it comes time to promote the technology, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and SIUC's Office of Economic and Regional Development will swing into action. "A major purpose of these partnerships is to encourage commercialization," Kohler says.

"This project holds many advantages for all the partners involved," says John Koropchak, SIUC vice chancellor for research and graduate dean, who will oversee the project as a whole. "Not only will it lead to increased nutritional benefits for consumers, but there are opportunities for economic development and job growth throughout the region and state."

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