Title: head of aquaculture sector

Association/Company: Istituto Spallanzani

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Speech session
Microalgae applications

Speech
Microalgae from biorefineries as a new ingredient in aquafeed for a more sustainable aquaculture

Abstract
The introduction of low-cost microalgae meals from biorefineries improves the sustainability of the entire aquaculture supply chain i) by promoting the recovery and reuse of resources, ii) by providing an alternative to conventional proteins and lipids iii) by maintaining nutrient levels of high quality. The results obtained within the Microalgae Hub project (www.polomicroalghe.it) on the Siberian sturgeon (Acipencer naccarii) and in the European project Sabana (http://www2.ual.es/sabana/) on the sea bream (Sparus aurata) have demonstrated that aquafeed based on the partial inclusion of microalgae obtained from biorefineries, not only are safe but also improve intestinal morphology, animal growth and the use of nutrients, suggesting a functional effect.