Carbon Footprint and Nutrient Density of Underutilized Norwegian Marine Resources

Abstract

Both nationally and internationally, there is a rising ambition to reduce carbon footprint to fight climate change. However, climate change should not be seen as a solitary challenge as the human population has more than tripled since the 1950ths. We are therefore moving towards the inevitable crossroad where the food needed to sustain humanity and the traditional utilized resources we have available, cannot keep up. At the same time, current food production is responsible for around 26 - 31 % of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The aim of this thesis was therefore to analyse the micro- and macronutrients and grade them according to a nutrient density score (NDS), as well as estimate the carbon dioxide equivalent emission of underutilized and potential novel marine resources. Thus, working as a guidance for more sustainable food alternatives.

Orange-footed sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) is low in energy-providing nutrients, scored mediocre on micro- and macronutrients compared to the other species but scored lower when the nutrients were capped at 100 % of the daily recommended intake (DRI). The emissions were mediocre, both compared to the other species analysed, and when compared with other protein sources such as commercially available seafood species and terrestrial animals. The diatom Porosira glacialis requires further analysis but contains a high proportion of marine long chained polyunsaturated fatty acids. Northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) was mediocre in energy-providing nutrients, scored high on micro- and macronutrients compared to the other species, but mediocre when the nutrients were capped. Pearlside (Maurolicus muelleri) was high in energy-providing nutrients, scored high on micro- and macronutrients compared to the other species, and mediocre when the nutrients were capped. The emissions of the pearlside were low compared to standard marine ingredients used in salmon feed. Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) was high in energy-providing nutrients, scored mediocre on micro- and macronutrients compared to the other species, and low when the nutrients were capped. The emissions of herring are heavily influenced by by product utilization but scores among the best when compared to commercial seafood species and terrestrial animals per kg edible, per 100 grams protein, and per 1000 kcal. In summary, the orange-footed sea cucumber scores the best according to the NDS without capping, the pearlside scores best in energy-providing nutrients, while the herring scores best for GHG emissions and according to the NDS with capping.