DOUGLAS MARTIN’S JOURNEY TO SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR OMEGA-3 AND OVERFISHING

Douglas Martin’s journey to sustainable solutions for Omega-3 and overfishing. Douglas Martin has always felt a deep connection to the ocean. Growing up in South Africa with Scottish parents, he says he was “raised as a Scot,” and his love for nature, particularly the sea, has been a constant in his life. “I always feel more at home when I can hear the waves crashing,” Martin reflects. “It’s about finding silence amongst the noise.”

This affinity for the ocean led Martin to a realisation that would shape his career: to create a sustainable alternative to Omega-3 supplements for both humans and farmed fish, all while addressing a major environmental challenge in Scotland’s whisky industry.

The Problem: Overfishing and Omega-3 Demand

Omega-3 is a vital nutrient that supports heart health, brain function, and more. Unfortunately, the human body cannot produce Omega-3 on its own, which is why millions of fish are caught annually to provide this essential fatty acid. Around 16 million fish are harvested every year, with 20% of them used as feed for farmed fish.

The growing global demand for Omega-3 has led to overfishing, as small fish are caught to produce fishmeal and fish oil. With demand set to exceed supply by 2037, Martin saw an urgent need to find alternatives to wild-caught fish for Omega-3 production.

While studying at the University of Edinburgh, Martin founded MiAlgae in 2016 with the goal of creating a more sustainable way to produce Omega-3, without relying on wild fish.

Whisky Wastewater as a Solution

Scotland’s whisky industry, a key economic driver, produces 15 litres of by-products for every litre of whisky. These by-products, often discharged into sewage systems or rivers, have been a major environmental concern.

Martin’s breakthrough came when he learned that fish don’t produce Omega-3s on their own but accumulate it from algae. Recognising that algae could provide a sustainable Omega-3 source for farmed fish, he thought, “What if we could use the wastewater from whisky distilleries as feedstock for growing algae?”

This insight led to the creation of MiAlgae, which uses the nutrient-rich by-products of whisky production to grow algae. The algae can then be dried and processed into aquafeed for farmed fish, offering an eco-friendly alternative to fishmeal.

A Circular, Carbon-Reducing Process

Using distillery wastewater to cultivate algae isn’t just innovative—it’s a powerful way to reduce carbon emissions. For every tonne of MiAlgae’s algae, the equivalent Omega-3 from 620,000 fish is produced, preventing nearly 40,000 kg of CO2 from being released by reducing the need for fishmeal.

By 2024, MiAlgae had recycled enough wastewater to fill 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools and prevented the release of 150,000 kg of CO2—comparable to 500 round-trip flights between Edinburgh and London.

Scaling Up and Gaining Global Recognition

MiAlgae’s algae production is now ramping up, thanks to advances in scalability and cost-effectiveness. Martin and his team are preparing to expand their operations with the help of renewable energy and fermentation technology similar to that used in brewing.

The company’s innovative approach caught the attention of the Earthshot Prize 2024, where MiAlgae was selected as a finalist. This global environmental award, launched by Prince William, highlights solutions that can positively impact the planet.

Being an Earthshot finalist has not only increased MiAlgae’s visibility but has connected the team with key investors and policymakers, accelerating the adoption of their sustainable solution.

A Vision for the Future

With ambitions to become a global leader in sustainable food production, Martin envisions MiAlgae as a key player in reviving the oceans and redefining the way we produce essential nutrients for the world’s growing population.

“We want to be at the forefront of a movement that not only revives our oceans but also changes how we produce Omega-3 for farmed fish and people,” he says. “In five years, we aim to be a global leader in providing scalable, sustainable alternatives to fish-based oils.”