Maruha Nichiro, the first private company to fully farm bluefin tuna in 2010, is now advancing to produce the fish in a laboratory
Maruha Nichiro Corporation has entered into a joint development agreement with Singapore-based Umami Bioworks to advance the production of cellular bluefin tuna, addressing the rising global demand for sustainable seafood. The partnership reflects the increasing pressure on traditional fishing and aquaculture methods, as well as the need for innovative solutions to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of high-quality fish.
This collaboration builds upon Maruha Nichiro’s commitment to pioneering solutions in the seafood industry. In August 2023, the company began joint research and development efforts with Umami Bioworks to create cellular seafood, a more sustainable alternative to conventional fish farming. The goal is to develop lab-grown bluefin tuna using cellular technology, a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of traditional tuna farming and mitigating the pressures of overfishing.
Maruha Nichiro’s history in bluefin tuna farming dates back to 2010 when it became the first private company to successfully farm the species from start to finish. This groundbreaking achievement marked a milestone in the seafood industry, but now the company is pushing the boundaries further by utilizing advanced biotechnologies to produce tuna in a lab, ensuring a more sustainable future for the bluefin tuna population and the global seafood market.
