scigest - Bioeconomy Science Institute podcasts

Author: New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited

Welcome to Scigest - podcast-sized servings of digestible science from the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Join us as we explore the advancements and impact our scientists are making in advancing innovation in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, biotechnology and manufacturing; protecting ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and developing new bio-based technologies and products. Listen to our scientists as they share and discuss current research in Aotearoa New Zealand, and beyond in this award-winning podcast collection. Make sure to visit www.plantandfood.com/scigest for even more information on Scigest! To help you discover the podcast topics and research that interests you, Scigest is split into series, each covering different scientific topics. The series are as follows: PPF: PeoplePlanetFood FTS: From the sea FTL: From the land BDIS: Biosecurity, disease and insect science STK: Science in the kitchen NT: New technologies ID: International development SLFM: Science life for me (Our people) SMAS: Science movers and shakers SIS: Starting in science
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Language: en-nz

Genres: Health & Fitness, Natural Sciences, Nutrition, Science

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Microfeeds - the challenges of producing tiny fish food (FTS)
Thursday, 17 September, 2026

Imagine trying to develop a nutritious fish feed for a very picky eater that is only 5 mm long. That’s the challenge scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao are tackling as they work to develop new foods for larval fish. Their research could help reduce reliance on traditional live feeds and support a more resilient aquaculture industry, one of the world’s fastest-growing food production sectors. In this episode of Scigest, scientist and host Julie Blommaert joins scientist Hemi Cumming to explore the surprisingly complex world of feeding tiny fish. They discuss the challenge of creating a microfeed that delivers the right nutrition while also behaving like the live food larval fish naturally respond to. One of the main live feeds currently used in aquaculture is Artemia, brine shrimp many people will know as Sea-Monkeys. But relying on Artemia comes with risks, including supply uncertainty and the potential for disease. Could a specially designed microfeed provide a more reliable alternative? Dive into the science behind creating very small food for very small fish and discover why getting it right could make a big difference for the future of aquaculture. To listen to our podcast on producing New Zealand made aquafeeds please click here: https://bit.ly/4AqK9A2. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest