1. Cause Identified: Toxic Algal Bloom

• One of the largest algae blooms in Southern California has been linked to the deaths of marine animals.
• The Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) confirmed the connection in a news release on April 23, 2025.

2. Whale Deaths Confirmed

• A female humpback whale was found dead on January 24 at Huntington Beach.
• A male minke whale was stranded and later died on April 6 in Long Beach after displaying unusual swimming behaviors.

3. Domoic Acid Detected

• Testing showed both whales had high levels of domoic acid, a harmful neurotoxin, in their stomachs and urine.
• Domoic acid is produced when small fish, like sardines, consume toxic algae.

4. Broader Impact on Marine Life

• Dr. Alissa Deming, PMMC’s Vice President of Conservation Medicine + Science, stated that mass strandings of California sea lions and dolphins are also being reported.
• “This bloom is negatively affecting record numbers of sea lions, dolphins — and now multiple whale species,” she said.

5. Official Cause of Death

• Both whales’ deaths were officially attributed to domoic acid toxicosis.
• Two more whale deaths may be linked to the toxin, but lab results are still pending.

6. Ongoing Concerns

• Experts warn that harmful algal blooms could become more frequent due to changing ocean conditions.
• The event raises serious concerns about the future health of marine ecosystems.

About the PhD Program

The MAP-ID (Multilevel Approaches to Understanding Chronic Inflammatory Diseases) Doctoral Programme is funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Horizon Europe). This international research initiative focuses on innovative strategies to tackle chronic inflammatory diseases—responsible for over 50% of global deaths.

Hosted by the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences at Jagiellonian University (JU), this program offers 48-month doctoral projects in cutting-edge scientific fields including:

• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Molecular Biology
• Biotechnology

Why Choose This PhD Program?

Program Highlights:

• Duration: 48 months
• Funding: Fully funded by Horizon Europe (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions)
• Number of Positions: 13 individual PhD projects (1 student per project)
• Language: English

International Exposure:

• Internships at top global universities (6–9 months in Europe or the USA)
• Industry placements with top biotech companies (3 months)

Academic & Industry Partners:

• Collaborations with universities in the UK, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, and USA
• Industry leaders include Ryvu Therapeutics, BGI Tech, and Cambridge Protein Works

Key Research Areas

Selected PhD projects will address topics such as:

• Neuroinflammation and glioblastoma
• Autoimmune responses at biological barriers
• STAT3-targeted tumor imaging
• Chronic bacterial infections and cancer development
• Epigenetic memory in stem cells
• Inflammatory biomarkers and wound healing

Click here for full project descriptions

Eligibility & Admission Requirements

To apply for these fully funded PhD positions, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Academic Requirements:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
• Strong interest in chronic inflammatory disease research

Language Proficiency:

• English at B2 level or higher

Research Experience:

• Less than 4 years of full-time research experience
• Not already in possession of a PhD

Documents Needed

• Motivation letter (via the IRK system)
• Detailed academic CV (as per provided format)
• Two letters of recommendation (via IRK system)
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• English language proficiency proof
• Signed declaration form (template available)

Important Dates & Application Timeline

How to Apply?

Interested applicants should apply via the official IRK application system. Visit the official website for complete project descriptions, templates, and application guidelines:

Official Website: https://cofund.project.uj.edu.pl/

Published in Science Advances, this research marks the world’s first randomized controlled trial evaluating the real-world effectiveness of an incentive-based marine conservation program.

Why Incentive Programs Matter in Marine Conservation

Large marine animals like sharks and rays are among the most critically endangered species globally, mainly due to overfishing and bycatch. In many small-scale fisheries, coastal communities heavily rely on marine resources for food and income, creating a tough balancing act between biodiversity conservation and human livelihoods.

Incentive programs offer a promising, cost-effective strategy to support both people and nature. But as this study reveals, they must be carefully designed to avoid unexpected behaviors.

Inside the Study: How Pay-to-Release Programs Were Tested

The Oxford team, in collaboration with the local NGO Kebersamaan Untuk Lautan (KUL), launched a pay-to-release program in Indonesia. Fishers were compensated for safely releasing two critically endangered groups: hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna) and wedgefish (Rhynchobatus).

Key points of the study:

• Duration: May 2022 – August 2023
• Participants: 87 vessels, randomly divided into a treatment group (eligible for payments) and a control group (no payments).
• Verification: Fishers recorded videos using waterproof cameras to prove safe releases.
• Compensation: Payments matched the estimated market value of the released animals.

The results were striking:

• 71% of caught wedgefish were released alive.
• 4% of caught hammerhead sharks were released alive.

Yet, the study also found that some vessels increased their fishing efforts to maximize their payouts, which reduced the overall conservation gains.

Adjustments for a Better Future

Recognizing these challenges, KUL quickly adapted the program:

1. Adjusted payments based on fish size classes.
2. Capped the number of compensated releases per vessel per week.
3. Launched gear swap programs to prevent endangered species from being caught in the first place.

Preliminary findings from these adjustments are promising, and further trials are ongoing with support from the UK’s Darwin Initiative.

Expert Insights: Why Rigorous Evaluation Is Essential

Dr. Hollie Booth, lead researcher at the University of Oxford, emphasized:

“Incentive-based programs are crucial for fair and effective conservation. However, they must be well-designed and rigorously tested to ensure they truly benefit both nature and communities.“

Similarly, Professor Paul Ferraro from Johns Hopkins University highlighted the need for scientific evaluations:

“It’s concerning that many conservation programs are rolled out without checking if they actually work. We must invest in programs that show real benefits for biodiversity and local livelihoods.“

Teuku Ridwan, Head of the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in Aceh Jaya, praised the initiative:

“This project strengthens the livelihoods of small-scale fishers, the backbone of Aceh’s coastal communities. Collaboration among all stakeholders is key for sustainable marine management based on local wisdom.“

Conclusion: Building a Future Where Nature and People Thrive Together

The study underscores a vital lesson for marine conservation: even the best-designed programs must be piloted, evaluated, and adapted based on real-world feedback. With smarter incentives and stronger collaborations, we can bend the curve on biodiversity loss and move closer to achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 2050 vision of “living in harmony with nature.”

Reference:
Hollie Booth et al., “Conservation impacts and hidden actions in a randomized trial of a marine pay-to-release program,” Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr1000

Provided by:
University of Oxford

The Truth Behind Shark Attacks: Not All Bites Are Intentional

Sharks are often portrayed in the media as dangerous and aggressive killers. However, scientific data tells a different story. On average, only about 100 shark bites occur globally each year, and just around 10 of those are fatal. Most sharks prefer to avoid humans and typically only bite under certain circumstances.

Shark Bites as Self-Defense: A New Perspective

According to a recent study published in Frontiers in Conservation Science, an international team of researchers has discovered that some shark bites are likely motivated by self-defense, not predation or territorial aggression.

“We show that defensive bites by sharks on humans—a reaction to initial human aggression—are a reality,” said lead researcher Dr. Eric Clua from Université PSL. “These bites reflect a survival instinct rather than a planned attack, and we should rethink how responsibility is assigned in such incidents.”

What Triggers Defensive Shark Bites?

Self-defense bites usually occur when sharks feel threatened by human actions. These may include:

• Spearfishing near sharks
• Attempting to grab or touch a shark
• Entering a shark’s territory

Such bites often happen without warning and typically result in minor, non-lethal injuries. Interestingly, this type of defensive response is also seen in other wild animals like bears or large birds such as cassowaries.

Dr. Clua notes that even bold, territorial species like the gray reef shark may bite in defense if they perceive human behavior as a threat—even if no harm was intended.

Shark Behavior: Cautious, Not Vengeful

Despite popular belief, sharks are generally cautious around humans. “They are not calculating revenge,” said Dr. Clua. “Their actions are pragmatic and rooted in survival.” When they do bite, the force may appear disproportionate due to the instinctive nature of their reaction.

This disproportional response mirrors defensive behavior in humans and other animals, where survival instinct can override logic.

Global Data Supports the Theory

The research team analyzed shark bite records from the Global Shark Attack File, which has documented nearly 7,000 incidents since 1863. By focusing on cases classified as “provoked,” they identified 322 bites that could likely be categorized as self-defense.

This represents approximately 5% of all documented shark bites—closely aligning with findings from French Polynesia, where 4 out of 74 recorded bites (from 2009–2023) were likely defensive.

How to Stay Safe Around Sharks

To reduce the risk of being bitten by a shark:

• Avoid spearfishing or making sudden movements near sharks.
• Never attempt to touch or rescue a shark, even if it appears to be in distress.
• Respect the animal’s space and avoid interactions in the wild.

“Do not interact physically with a shark, even if it looks harmless,” warned Dr. Clua. “It may interpret your actions as a threat and react with a bite.”

Final Thoughts: Respect, Don’t Fear, Sharks

Sharks are powerful, wild animals that deserve our respect—not fear. Understanding that some shark bites may be defensive reactions helps shift the narrative from blame to awareness. By avoiding threatening behaviors and respecting marine life, we can coexist more safely with these majestic predators.

Citation:
The Talion Law ‘Tooth for a Tooth’: Self-Defense as a Motivation for Shark Bites on Human Aggressors. Frontiers in Conservation Science (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2025.1562502

Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 AI and ML technologies transforming aquaculture in 2025, including their applications, benefits, and future potential.

1. AI-Driven Smart Feeding Systems

AI-powered smart feeding systems use real-time data from fish behavior, water quality, and environmental factors to optimize feeding schedules. These systems reduce feed waste, enhance fish growth, and significantly lower operational costs.

Key Example: Bosch Business Innovations has developed AI tools that analyze shrimp behavior to determine optimal feeding times and detect early signs of disease—doubling productivity for many shrimp farmers.

2. Computer Vision for Fish Health Monitoring

High-resolution cameras combined with AI algorithms are used to continuously monitor fish for signs of disease or stress. Computer vision detects changes like erratic swimming, discoloration, or physical injuries.

Benefits: Early disease detection reduces mortality, minimizes antibiotic use, and improves overall fish health.

3. IoT-Based Environmental Monitoring Systems

Internet of Things (IoT) sensors paired with ML models track key water parameters such as pH, temperature, and oxygen levels. These systems enable automated adjustments and predictive alerts.

Impact: Real-time monitoring and control maintain optimal conditions, reduce risks, and enhance sustainability.

4. Autonomous Underwater Robotic Inspections

AI-enabled underwater robots inspect fish cages and net pens for damage, biofouling, and structural issues. These robots operate autonomously and reduce the need for divers.

Advantages: Lower maintenance costs, increased inspection frequency, and higher accuracy in detecting faults.

5. Digital Twin Technology for Infrastructure Monitoring

A digital twin is a virtual model of aquaculture infrastructure that mirrors real-time conditions. Using data from sensors and simulations, it predicts structural wear, enabling timely maintenance.

Why It Matters: Prevents fish escapes, minimizes equipment failure, and supports better infrastructure planning.

6. AI-Powered Fish Biomass Estimation

Advanced ML algorithms like YOLOv3 and Mask-RCNN analyze video footage to estimate fish biomass in real-time.

Use Case: Accurate biomass data helps optimize feed, determine harvest times, and improve stock management—leading to better profitability.

7. Predictive Analytics for Fish Disease Prevention

AI-driven predictive models analyze historical and real-time data to forecast disease outbreaks. These systems identify environmental triggers and risk factors.

Benefits: Early warnings allow for timely preventive action, reducing losses and ensuring animal welfare.

8. Drone and Remote Sensing Applications in Aquaculture

Drones equipped with multispectral cameras are being used to monitor large-scale aquaculture operations from above. They assess water quality, detect infrastructure damage, and track fish behavior.

Advantages: Faster, large-scale assessments that save time and provide a comprehensive farm overview.

9. AIoT: Merging AI and IoT for Smart Aquaculture

AIoT (Artificial Intelligence + Internet of Things) is a unified approach that integrates smart devices, sensors, and AI systems across an entire aquaculture operation.

Benefits:

• Automates feeding, monitoring, and disease detection.
• Improves decision-making with data-driven insights.
• Enhances farm sustainability and profitability.

10. Augmented Reality (AR) in Aquaculture Training and Operations

AR tools are now being introduced for training new aquaculture workers and supporting daily operations. These systems provide immersive, hands-on simulations and overlay data on real-world environments.

Use Cases:

• On-the-job training for fish health management.
• AR-assisted equipment handling and safety protocols.

Future Outlook: The Role of AI in Sustainable Aquaculture

The adoption of AI and ML in aquaculture is not just a trend—it’s a necessity for the future. As global seafood consumption rises, these intelligent technologies can help meet demand while minimizing environmental impacts.

Future Trends:

• More affordable and accessible AI tools for small-scale fish farmers.
• Improvements in data standardization and system interoperability.
• Enhanced transparency and ethical use of AI in aquaculture.

By embracing innovation, the aquaculture sector can achieve a balance between productivity, animal welfare, and ecological responsibility.

Final Thoughts

From smart feeding to digital twins, AI and ML technologies are revolutionizing every corner of aquaculture. Whether you’re a researcher, startup, or fish farmer, staying updated with these trends is key to thriving in 2025 and beyond.

1. Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

• Global Production: Approximately 6.8 million tonnes
• Top Producers: China, Ecuador, India, Vietnam
• Average Market Price: $4 to $6 per kilogram
• Future Outlook: Whiteleg shrimp remains the most widely farmed shrimp species worldwide. Advancements in disease-resistant shrimp strains and sustainable farming practices are expected to fuel continued growth in global markets.

2. Cupped Oysters (Crassostrea species)

• Global Production: Around 6.2 million tonnes
• Top Producers: China, South Korea, France
• Average Market Price: $1 to $2 per oyster
• Future Outlook: Increasing demand for cupped oysters is driven by their ecological benefits such as water purification. Sustainable oyster farming is expanding, supporting both environmental health and economic growth.

3. Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

• Global Production: Approximately 6.2 million tonnes
• Top Producers: China, India, Bangladesh
• Average Market Price: $1 to $2 per kilogram
• Future Outlook: Grass carp production remains stable in Asia. The species shows potential for growth in integrated aquaculture systems combining fish farming with agriculture.

4. Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

• Global Production: Estimated 5.3 million tonnes
• Top Producers: China, Egypt, Indonesia
• Average Market Price: $2 to $4 per kilogram
• Future Outlook: Known for adaptability and mild taste, Nile tilapia is gaining popularity across Africa and Latin America. Expansion efforts focus on sustainable farming and improved breeding methods.

5. Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

• Global Production: Around 5.1 million tonnes
• Top Producers: China, India, Bangladesh
• Average Market Price: $1 to $2 per kilogram
• Future Outlook: Silver carp production primarily supports domestic consumption. Export opportunities are limited, but efforts continue to enhance feed efficiency and disease management.

6. Anchoveta (Engraulis ringens)

• Global Production: Approximately 4.9 million tonnes
• Top Producers: Peru, Chile
• Market Price: Mainly used for fishmeal; prices fluctuate based on demand
• Future Outlook: Anchoveta fishing relies heavily on sustainable management and environmental conditions, critical for maintaining long-term production levels.

7. Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

• Global Production: Estimated 4.2 million tonnes
• Top Producers: China, India, Bangladesh
• Average Market Price: $1 to $2 per kilogram
• Future Outlook: Common carp farming focuses on improving disease resistance and feed conversion efficiency, supporting stable global supply.

8. Catla (Catla catla)

• Global Production: Around 3.8 million tonnes
• Top Producers: India, Bangladesh
• Average Market Price: $1.5 to $2.5 per kilogram
• Future Outlook: Catla remains popular in South Asian markets. Advances in breeding technologies and integrated farming could enhance production growth.

9. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

• Global Production: Approximately 2.9 million tonnes
• Top Producers: Norway, Chile, UK, Canada
• Average Market Price: $7 to $12 per kilogram
• Future Outlook: Atlantic salmon is a premium seafood product with strong market demand. Industry challenges include disease control and minimizing environmental impact.

10. Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)

• Global Production: Estimated 2.4 million tonnes
• Top Producers: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia
• Average Market Price: $1.5 to $2.5 per kilogram
• Future Outlook: Export markets for striped catfish are expanding. Sustainable aquaculture practices are key to long-term success.

Global Aquaculture Trends in 2024–2025

• Asia’s Dominance: Asia contributes over 90% of global aquaculture production, led by China, India, and Southeast Asian countries.
• Focus on Sustainability: The aquaculture industry increasingly emphasizes eco-friendly farming techniques, disease management, and improved feed efficiency to reduce environmental footprints.
• Species Diversification: Growing seafood demand drives diversification into new aquatic species and innovative farming systems worldwide.

Conclusion

The aquaculture sector is set for sustained growth in 2024 and beyond. Key cultured species like whiteleg shrimp, tilapia, and Atlantic salmon will continue to shape global seafood supply chains. Embracing sustainability and technological innovations will be crucial for meeting future challenges and market needs.

A groundbreaking international study led by Project Seagrass, and published in Environmental Research: Ecology, has unveiled one of the most comprehensive global maps of human threats to seagrass meadows—vital ecosystems that support marine biodiversity, coastal fisheries, and blue carbon storage.

Despite being located inside designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), many seagrass meadows remain vulnerable to a range of threats. The findings raise urgent questions about the effectiveness of global marine conservation strategies.

Seagrass Meadows: Silent Heroes of the Ocean

Seagrass meadows play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. They act as nurseries for fish, stabilize sediments, improve water quality, and help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon. However, these ecosystems are now under siege from human activities, including:

• Coastal development
• Pollution and nutrient runoff
• Destructive fishing practices
• Aquaculture
• Boating and anchoring damage

Shocking Discovery: Protected Areas Aren’t Always Safe

The research, involving data from more than 1,000 citizen scientists across 1,200 seagrass sites in 86 countries, revealed that over 50% of the surveyed seagrass meadows facing human pressures are located within MPAs.

“Marine Protected Areas are supposed to safeguard biodiversity,” said lead author Dr. Benjamin Jones. “But what we’re seeing is that protection on paper doesn’t always translate into protection on the ground.”

The study found that 4.4% of global MPAs still harbor seagrass under significant threat, signaling the urgent need for stronger implementation of conservation policies.

High-Resolution Global Threat Map Now Available

Using crowd-sourced data submitted to SeagrassSpotter.org, researchers created a high-resolution global map pinpointing regions where seagrass meadows are most at risk. Threat hotspots include:

• Southeast Asia
• The Mediterranean
• The Caribbean

Meanwhile, areas with lower human pressure were also identified—offering prime opportunities for proactive conservation.

Call to Action: Strengthen MPA Effectiveness and Expand Protection

Experts emphasize that achieving global biodiversity targets—including the UN’s 30×30 goal (protecting 30% of oceans and land by 2030)—requires more than just drawing boundaries on a map.

“We need smarter marine spatial planning, local threat mitigation, and global cooperation,” said Dr. Richard Unsworth, co-author and researcher at Swansea University.

To align with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the world must prevent the net loss of approximately 3,000 km² of seagrass annually and restore around 95,000 km².

From Threats to Solutions: A Data-Driven Roadmap

The interactive map developed in this study aims to serve policymakers, marine conservationists, and local communities. By clearly identifying at-risk areas, it provides a roadmap for targeted conservation efforts.

“By mapping threats, we’re also mapping solutions,” Dr. Jones noted. “Land-based efforts like better watershed management are just as vital as marine interventions.”

Power of Citizen Science in Ocean Conservation

This research marks the first major publication using data from SeagrassSpotter.org—a citizen science initiative that has empowered thousands of volunteers over the past decade.

Project Seagrass hopes the study will not only inform global policy but also inspire more public participation in protecting our oceans.

1. Golden Caviar (Sterlet Sturgeon)

• Scientific Name: Acipenser ruthenus
• Main Production Regions: Russia and Iran
• Market Price: Up to $73,000 per kilogram
• Future Outlook: Golden Caviar remains one of the rarest luxury seafood delicacies, driving high demand in elite markets. However, sustainability concerns and strict fishing regulations may impact supply in the future. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserve this precious species.

2. Almas Caviar (Albino Beluga Sturgeon)

• Scientific Name: Huso huso
• Main Production Regions: Southern Caspian Sea, especially Iran
• Market Price: Up to $34,500 per kilogram
• Future Outlook: The rarity of albino Beluga sturgeon keeps Almas Caviar highly coveted. Conservation and aquaculture efforts will likely dictate future availability, maintaining its status as an ultra-premium product.

3. Pacific Bluefin Tuna

• Scientific Name: Thunnus orientalis
• Main Production Regions: Japan, USA, Mexico
• Market Price: Record auction prices up to $5,000 per pound
• Future Outlook: Overfishing concerns have led to increased regulations. Sustainable farming and aquaculture innovations are being developed to meet the high global demand while protecting wild populations.

4. Southern Bluefin Tuna

• Scientific Name: Thunnus maccoyii
• Main Production Regions: Australia, Japan
• Market Price: $23–$34 per kilogram
• Future Outlook: Ongoing aquaculture projects and strict fishing quotas aim to balance supply and demand, supporting species recovery while fulfilling market needs.

5. Glass Eels (Elvers)

• Scientific Name: Anguilla rostrata (American eel)
• Main Production Regions: USA (Maine), exported mainly to Asia
• Market Price: $2,000–$3,000 per pound
• Future Outlook: High demand for aquaculture in Asia drives the market. Regulatory frameworks combat illegal trade and overfishing, helping to sustain wild stocks.

6. Japanese Sea Cucumber (Namako)

• Scientific Name: Apostichopus japonicus
• Main Production Regions: Japan, China
• Market Price: Up to $1,360 per pound
• Future Outlook: Valued for both culinary and medicinal purposes, sustainable harvesting practices are critical to avoid population decline and ecological damage.

7. Totoaba Swim Bladder

• Scientific Name: Totoaba macdonaldi
• Main Production Regions: Gulf of California, Mexico
• Market Price: Up to $18,000 per kilogram on the black market
• Future Outlook: Illegal trafficking of totoaba bladders has severely impacted wild populations and endangered species like the vaquita porpoise. Conservation efforts remain urgent to curb black market activity and restore ecosystems.

8. Ossetra Caviar

• Scientific Name: Acipenser gueldenstaedtii
• Main Production Regions: Russia, Iran, and global aquaculture farms
• Market Price: Among the most expensive caviar varieties worldwide
• Future Outlook: Advances in aquaculture may help stabilize supply, but wild stocks still face pressures from overharvesting and habitat loss.

9. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

• Scientific Name: Thunnus thynnus
• Main Production Regions: Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic
• Market Price: High market value, especially in Japan
• Future Outlook: Conservation measures show promising results, but ongoing management is essential to ensure sustainable fishing practices and population recovery.

10. North Atlantic Lobster

• Scientific Name: Homarus americanus
• Main Production Regions: USA (Maine), Canada
• Market Price: Prices rising due to limited catch volumes
• Future Outlook: Climate change and overfishing pose significant threats. Sustainable fishing and management practices are critical for long-term industry viability.

Summary Table: Top 10 Most Expensive Aquatic Products (2024–2025)

Final Thoughts

These aquatic products represent some of the world’s most luxurious and valuable seafood items, prized by gourmets, collectors, and markets globally. However, many face significant sustainability challenges, including overfishing, illegal trade, and environmental changes. Responsible consumption, stricter regulations, and advances in aquaculture will be key to ensuring these prized aquatic species remain available for future generations.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the top 10 fish feed companies in the world (2025)—featuring their annual revenue, production scale, research initiatives, leadership, and headquarters.

1. Skretting (Nutreco) – Norway

• Annual Revenue: Over $2 billion
• Feed Production: ~2 million tonnes per year
• Research & Innovation: Skretting Aquaculture Research Centre (Stavanger) specializes in sustainable fish feed and precision nutrition.
• CEO: Fulco van Lede (CEO of Nutreco)
• Headquarters: Stavanger, Norway

Skretting is the world’s largest producer of aquafeed, operating across five continents and supplying feeds for more than 60 farmed fish species. The company leads the sector with its sustainability focus and research-backed nutritional strategies.

2. BioMar Group – Denmark

• Annual Revenue: Over $1.5 billion
• Global Reach: Serves customers in 80+ countries
• Research Focus: Sustainable feed ingredients, including insect meal and plant-based proteins
• CEO: Carlos Diaz
• Headquarters: Aarhus, Denmark

BioMar is known for high-performance aquafeed that supports fish health, optimal growth, and environmental sustainability. Its innovation-driven approach makes it a global leader in eco-friendly aquaculture solutions.

3. Aller Aqua – Denmark

• Annual Revenue: Over $500 million
• Export Markets: 60+ countries
• Research Facility: Aller Aqua Research (Germany) focuses on evolving efficient fish feed formulas
• CEO: Hans Erik Bylling
• Headquarters: Christiansfeld, Denmark

Aller Aqua offers a broad product range for over 30 freshwater and marine species, with a strong focus on quality, digestibility, and performance.

4. Ridley Corporation – Australia

• Annual Revenue: Over $800 million
• Production Reach: Operates in 50+ countries
• R&D Highlights: Collaborates with Ridley AgriProducts and CSF Proteins on advanced animal nutrition
• CEO: Quinton Hildebrand
• Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia

Ridley is one of Australia’s leading animal nutrition companies, supporting aquaculture with innovative and locally-adapted feed solutions for diverse species.

5. Zeigler Bros., Inc. – USA

• Annual Revenue: Over $500 million
• Key Species: Tilapia, trout, shrimp, catfish, and more
• R&D Initiatives: Specialized feed for performance, health, and sustainability
• CEO: Michael Zeigler
• Headquarters: Gardners, Pennsylvania, USA

Zeigler Bros. is a trusted aquafeed supplier in North America, known for its commitment to innovation, customized feed formulas, and long-term sustainability goals.

6. Coppens International – Netherlands

• Annual Revenue: Over $300 million
• Specialized Species: Carp, tilapia, catfish
• Research Strengths: Nutritional optimization and performance feeds
• Headquarters: Helmond, Netherlands

Coppens International delivers tailored fish feed that supports welfare and growth, backed by in-depth knowledge of species-specific dietary needs.

7. Dibaq Aquaculture – Spain

• Annual Revenue: Over $200 million
• Target Species: Trout, tilapia, sea bream
• Innovation Focus: Feed additives, premixes, and customized nutrition
• Headquarters: Segovia, Spain

Dibaq Aquaculture is a respected European aquafeed brand, offering high-quality feed solutions that support immune health and growth across warmwater and coldwater species.

8. Guangdong Haid Group – China

• Annual Revenue: Over $1 billion
• Key Products: Tilapia and shrimp feed
• Research: Integrated R&D in fish nutrition and aquaculture productivity
• Headquarters: Guangzhou, China

Haid Group is a top aquafeed company in Asia, driving innovation through modern nutrition science and large-scale feed production facilities.

9. Addcon Aquatic – Germany

• Annual Revenue: Over $100 million
• Focus: Feed additives for fish and shrimp
• Research Areas: Health-boosting and growth-enhancing additives
• Headquarters: Bonn, Germany

Addcon specializes in advanced feed additives that improve fish gut health, immunity, and nutrient uptake—crucial for profitable and sustainable aquaculture.

10. INVE Aquaculture (Benchmark Group) – Belgium

• [Honorable Mention]
• Focus: Hatchery feed solutions, probiotics, and health products
• Innovation: Larval nutrition, microbiome management, and early-stage feed technology
• Headquarters: Dendermonde, Belgium

Although not listed above, INVE Aquaculture deserves mention for its cutting-edge hatchery feeds and health products vital to shrimp and marine fish farming globally.

Why Fish Feed Companies Matter in Sustainable Aquaculture

The fish feed industry is evolving rapidly, integrating:

• Sustainable ingredients (like insect meal and algae)
• Digital precision feeding
• Species-specific nutritional profiles
• Green certifications and traceability

By choosing feeds from industry leaders, fish farmers can improve survival rates, growth performance, and environmental sustainability.

Final Thoughts

These top aquafeed companies in 2025 are shaping the future of global aquaculture through innovation, science, and sustainability. Whether you’re a fish farmer, researcher, or aquaculture entrepreneur, staying informed about these feed giants can help you make smart decisions for your business and the environment.

On the rugged, wave-pounded coasts of the northern Pacific Ocean, a small fish known as the sculpin has developed a fascinating survival strategy. Unlike sea urchins that cling to surfaces using glue-like tube feet or octopuses that use suction cups, sculpins grip onto rocks using only their fins—no adhesives, no suction, just evolution-driven design.

Why This Matters: Nature-Inspired Solutions for Modern Technology

Understanding how marine animals survive in extreme environments can help engineers and scientists create more efficient robots, adhesives, and gripping tools. Innovations inspired by sculpins may lead to next-generation medical adhesives, underwater robotics, and advanced tire grip designs for vehicles navigating rough terrain.

A recent study by researchers from Syracuse University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette uncovers an incredible discovery: microscopic structures on sculpin fins that may significantly enhance their ability to hold onto surfaces underwater.

The Study: Functional Morphology Reveals Evolutionary Innovation

Published in the Royal Society Open Science, the research focuses on functional morphology—the study of how an organism’s physical form supports its function. According to lead researchers Dr. Emily Kane and Dr. Austin Garner, the sculpins’ unique pectoral fin modifications help them anchor themselves firmly even in strong ocean currents.

Key Findings Include:

• Reduced webbing on the pectoral fins allows fin rays to extend like fingers.
• Microscopic surface textures, similar to those on gecko feet, create friction and may improve grip.
• These structures were discovered using scanning electron microscopy during fieldwork in Friday Harbor, Washington.

Comparing Sculpins to Other Grip Masters in Nature

Dr. Kane’s comparison of sculpin fin features with those of geckos and sea urchins highlights a key insight: evolution has developed multiple friction-based attachment systems across different species. The sculpin’s fin rays not only help it grip but also function in walking and sensory exploration of underwater environments.

A Closer Look: Microscopic Structures That Matter

The team found that sculpins from high-energy coastal zones had different microscopic skin textures than those from calmer environments. These variations could mean that sculpins adapt their grip based on local wave and current strength.

According to Dr. Garner, this is the first scientific documentation of microstructures on sculpin fin rays. These findings offer exciting possibilities for future research and the development of bio-inspired attachment devices.

Future Impact: From Fish Fins to Robotics

As this research evolves, it could pave the way for designing robotic grippers that perform well in aquatic environments—securely attaching yet easily detaching when needed. The BioInspired Institute at Syracuse University, where Dr. Garner conducts his work, aims to turn such biological insights into practical, smart materials and tools.

Imagine an underwater robot equipped with sculpin-inspired fins—capable of gripping rocky sea floors and exploring the depths without being swept away by the currents. That future may be closer than we think.

Reference

Emily A. Kane et al. (2025). Epidermal microstructures on the paired fins of marine sculpins suggest new functional hypotheses supporting benthic station-holding. Royal Society Open Science. DOI: 10.1098/rsos.241965