Fish Cell Production Systems (FCPS) for Sustainable Seafood and Marine Innovation

Existing fish cell lines and media do not meet these requirements, resulting in unstable foundations for seafood CellAg. Consequently, the technology is not commercially viable; there are no CellAg seafood products available globally. Our programme will expand knowledge of fish-cell culture, generating an in-depth understanding of cultured cells nutritional/environmental needs leading to enhanced isolation and proliferation which underpins CellAg technology. Once we understand fish cells’ optimal culture requirements, we can develop suitable natural nutrient sources. We will apply this knowledge to explore two CellAg use scenarios: cell-derived collagen and cell-based fish meat. This programme also seeks to generate an understanding of the cultural/social aspects associated with acceptance of FCPS. This includes understanding Māori perspectives and concerns about products made for cells (e.g. sustainably produced media), by cells (e.g. collagen), and from cells (e.g. seafood), particularly in relation to taonga species. This programme will fundamentally change the way we utilise cultured fish cells, accelerating progress in cultured seafood, and unlocking new avenues for their use in novel products. In doing so we will place NZ at the technological forefront in cell line development and media formulation