Scots producer bucks omega trend
Loch Duart has pointed out that a recent report by the BBC stating that “omega-3 levels in farmed salmon have halved over the last five years” does not apply to their salmon.
The Sutherland-based salmon producer commissions the Nutrition Analytical Service at the University of Stirling's Institute of Aquaculture to carry out analysis on the EPA + DHA components of their fish. This year they analysed three 130g samples of Loch Duart salmon and the results averaged 2.7g of EPA/DHA.
The BBC Science report (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37321656), quoted a study carried out by researchers at Stirling University, which was covered in Fish Farming Expert in August //www.fishfarmingexpert.com/news/some-startling-facts-about-o-3s/.
Prof Douglas Tocher, who led the research, told BBC News: "About five years ago, a portion of Atlantic salmon of 130g was able to deliver three-and-a-half grams of beneficial omega-3. This is actually our weekly recommended intake. Now, the level of omega-3 has halved," he said. "Therefore, instead of eating one portion of farmed salmon, we would need to eat two portions of farmed salmon," he explained.
Andy Bing, Sales Director for Loch Duart, told Fish Farming Expert: "The government actually recommends 3g of EPA and DHA a week, so a 130g portion of Loch Duart salmon contains 90% of the recommended weekly allowance of these key omega-3s."
A question of diet
A press release issued by Loch Duart this week explains how the company achieves such high levels of o-3s.
It reads: “....we believe in feeding our salmon a diet which is close to the natural diet of wild salmon. In the wild, salmon eat small fish, also krill, squid and shrimp. Our challenge is to reproduce this diet without putting extra pressure on the sea’s resources. Our sustainable choice for replicating this diet is to use the by-product of the Icelandic capelin fishery for any fishmeal. Any marine ingredients used in Loch Duart salmon feed are certified to the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation Responsible Supply Standard.
“The capelin is a small, bony fish which shoals in Icelandic waters and is processed for its roe which is highly prized in a number of countries. This fishery is strictly and sustainably managed. Through an exclusive partnership with Isfelag, the Icelandic fishing company, Loch Duart has access to the rest of the capelin – a by-product with high nutritional value.”
