LagoMeal project turns invasive pufferfish into fishmeal

The EU-funded LagoMeal project successfully established a commercial fishery for the invasive pufferfish, Lagocephalus sceleratus, in the Mediterranean Sea. The project aimed to create value from the invasive species, turning it into high-quality fishmeal for aquafeed. The pufferfish, which has no natural predators and poses threats to the environment and fisheries, was heat-treated to deactivate its powerful nerve toxin, making it safe for human consumption and a viable protein source for fishmeal. The project demonstrated the feasibility of processing the pufferfish into fishmeal and fish oil, offering potential benefits for the aquaculture industry and controlling the invasive species population. (European Commission)