AQUACULTURE
Floating insect protein farms could close the loop for aquaculture
Waste-fed insect meal could become floating economy feed for shrimp and fish at sea.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae. Photo by Invest International.
Vast aquaculture parks need protein-rich feed, but fishmeal and soy are volatile in price and supply. Insect protein offers a circular solution — turning food waste into high-value aquafeed. While not currently floating, producers could cut logistics costs and close nutrient loops by sitting modular farms on barges or near coastal cages.
Shrimp chains warm to insect protein. In September 2025, SeafoodSource reported shrimp supply chains are adopting insect meal as protein demand tightens. Analysts project usage could reach 200,000 metric tons annually in the next few years.
IFC backs insect protein in Latin America. In June 2024, the International Finance Corporation invested $2 million in ProNuvo to scale a 4,000 MT/year insect protein plant in Costa Rica. The facility uses food waste as input, a model that could extend to floating platforms.
Protix expands into South Korea. In 2025, Protix confirmed plans to build a circular insect protein facility in South Korea, converting food waste into feed ingredients. Co-locating such plants near floating aquaculture hubs is now being studied.
Protix highlights functional feed ingredients. In July 2025, Protix highlighted the health and gut benefits of its insect ingredients for aquafeed, livestock feed, and even plant care. Functional traits make insect protein attractive for high-value aquaculture diets.
Industry outlook shows scaling challenges. A 2024 AgTechNavigator review said insect protein faces hurdles in scaling and price competitiveness but remains a strong candidate for circular aquaculture systems, especially where land is scarce.
That’s not all: as aquaculture moves offshore, floating insect protein farms could bridge food waste streams with protein feed at sea. By siting production next to fish cages, operators cut transport costs and create circular nutrient cycles.
—TFI
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