Beneficial utilization of a tuna processing by-product as fish-feed additive

During tuna processing for human consumption, the fish are initially boiled in water, creating ~7000 tons of wastewater a year in Tosashimizu City, Japan. The wastewater (tuna broth; TB) is rich in free amino acids and peptides; therefore, we investigated two methods of utilizing it beneficially. In experiment 1, crude TB was used as a growth enhancer for two farmed species, juvenile yellowtail ( Seriola quinqueradiata ) and red sea bream ( Pagrus major ). Juveniles of both species, fed commercial extruded pellets mixed with 300 mL TB, showed significantly better growth than the unsupplemented control group. In experiment 2, concentrated TB was used as a dietary ingredient for juvenile yellowtail to improve palatability and growth. Dietary preferences and growth were rated as follows: fish meal diet > soy protein concentrate (SPC) + TB diet > SPC + krill meal diet > SPC diet. The beneficial effects of TB as a dietary supplement were evident. Crude TB enhanced juvenile growth at minimal cost. Concentrated TB requires processing, with associated costs; however, it proved to be a valuable fish-feed supplement because of its high palatability and growth-promoting effect. The utilization of TB also contributes to reducing the environmental impact of fish wastewater.