Agglomerate 3D gel matrix and novel mechanism of dietary delivery to the Syngnathidae family

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More than 20 million seahorses are and traded worldwide each year and there is everyindication that seahorses and members of Syngnathidae, the family also encompassingpipefish and seadragons could be extinct in as little as 10 years. Over fishing as by-catch intrawler nets and loss of habitat are seen as the main culprits. Although the vast majority ofthese are destined for use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat a variety ofdisorders, substantial numbers are also taken for the aquarium, curio and food industries.Seahorses prefer to feed on ‘live’ Mysid shrimp for its balanced nutritional profile. Captivebreed Mysid is expensive and unsustainable and the use of cheaper frozen Mysid needs to besupplemented with synthetic chemical nutrients. Success in terms of growth, reproduction andhealth (including vitality and colouration) has not been observed. A new feed and deliverymechanism needs to be developed promptly to improve cultivation success and re-wild naturalstocks.New Era Aquaculture (NEA) wishes to prove the technical feasibility and commercialpotential of developing a complete dietary feed system for seahorses. NEA proposesformulating naturally derived ingredients within an agglomerate 3D gel matrix. The feedsystem will have the correct bioavailability and nutritional profile - lipids, vitamins, minerals,fats and free amino acids required by seahorses. Further, seahorses are reserved creatures andthere are challenges in stimulating them to the feed, ensuring attraction and consumption withminimal bi-waste. This project is seen as cutting edge innovation by NEA and the aquaticconservation community.Seahorse cultivation is the key to the long term survival of the species in the wild, if demandcan be met with cultivated specimens, this would alleviate the huge pressures that are felt bywild populations which are currently being threatened.