Pioneer MiAlgae Makes Global Waves as Finalist for Prestigious Earthshot Prize 2024
MiAlgae, a leader in sustainable food production and marine ecosystem restoration, has been recognised as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Earthshot Prize.
This honour, awarded to groundbreaking solutions addressing the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, places MiAlgae on a global stage alongside other innovators dedicated to regenerating the planet.
Launched by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2020, the Earthshot Prize aims to inspire and accelerate solutions to repair our planet by 2030. MiAlgae’s selection as one of just 15 finalists from over 2,400 global nominations highlights its innovative approach to producing essential Omega-3 fatty acids in a sustainable way, reducing the strain on wild fish populations and promoting ocean health.
The demand for fish oil, rich in Omega-3s, has driven the harvesting of around 16 million tonnes of wild-caught pelagic (oceanic) fish annually. These fish are not just a resource; they play a critical role in maintaining marine biodiversity. The strain on these ecosystems has reached unsustainable levels, threatening not only ocean life but also the livelihoods of communities around the world that depend on healthy seas.
MiAlgae’s solution taps into a new, circular approach to the production of these vital nutrients. By growing algae - the original source of Omega-3s - using an innovative fermentation process and by-products from whisky distilleries, MiAlgae eliminates the need for wild fish, helping to protect fragile marine ecosystems and ensuring a stable supply of these essential oils for human and animal health.
Douglas Martin, Founder and CEO of MiAlgae, said:
“It is an incredible honour to be selected as a finalist for the Earthshot Prize. As WildAid Marine Program, the 2023 Revive Our Oceans Earthshot winner, said, ‘conservation is a team sport,’ and I feel privileged to be recognised for the work we are doing as part of this global effort.
“Our fish-free, circular Omega-3 solution not only benefits the oceans but also meets the growing demand for sustainable alternatives in key industries. By going directly to the source – the algae – we can protect fish stocks while offering an environmentally friendly, cost-effective product.
“The Earthshot Prize provides a unique platform to accelerate MiAlgae’s impact, and we hope to inspire others to take bold, innovative steps that protect our oceans.”
MiAlgae is a finalist in the "Revive Our Oceans" category of the Earthshot Prize, which focuses on solutions to restore and protect ocean ecosystems. MiAlgae’s closed-loop system reduces environmental impact and returns clean water to the environment, creating a sustainable solution that aligns food production with ocean and broader planetary health.
As the first Scottish company to be shortlisted for the Earthshot Prize, MiAlgae’s recognition reflects its growing influence in driving global change. The company’s scalable platform provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to fish-based oils, addressing the triple threat of marine ecosystem degradation, overfishing, and the growing need for essential nutrients in a world with a rising population.
Winners of the Earthshot Prize, set to be announced in Cape Town in November, will receive £1 million to scale their solutions and enhance their environmental impact, further advancing their mission to repair and regenerate the planet.