Rising costs, sustainability concerns, and supply chain issues surrounding traditional fishmeal have prompted some Japanese researchers to start developing alternative protein sources, including mushrooms, for use in aquaculture feed.

Mushrooms are not the only alternative proteins currently being trialled in Japan - other options, such as insects, single-celled organisms and citrus by-products, are all increasingly popular alternatives to traditional fishmeal, promoting sustainability in farming and keeping fish stocks healthy.

Malaysian scientists used mushrooms as a base particle to feed African catfish in a 12-week study in 2021, with initial tests showing positive results, and a trial in Japan found a net benefit from using mushrooms as an alternative to aquatic feed.