WO2024119241A1

WO2024119241A1 - Manufacture of aquaculture feed pellets comprising seaweed

Info

Publication number: WO2024119241A1
Application number: PCT/AU2023/051275
Authority: WO
Inventors: John STATTON; Scott Charles ELLIOTT
Original assignee: Seascape Restorations Australia, T/A Immersion Group
Priority date: 2022-12-09
Filing date: 2023-12-08
Publication date: 2024-06-13
Also published as: AU2023388184A1

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an Asparagopsis-based additive, the method comprising subjecting an Asparagopsis biomass to one or more of the following steps; steeping the Asparagopsis biomass in a triglyceride; freezing the Asparagopsis biomass; drying the Asparagopsis biomass to produce an Asparagopsis-based additive comprising a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride.

Description

Manufacture of aquaculture feed pellets comprising seaweed TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a processed Asparagopsis material for use as an Asparagopsis-based additive for aquaculture feed pellets. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Aquaculture is a diverse and rapidly expanding industry. It is estimated that 72.4 million tonnes of seafood product are produced via aquaculture each year. One of the largest sectors is Atlantic salmon production, which accounts for about US$23 billion of total global aquaculture value. However, it is estimated that as much as 10% of salmon production is lost each year due to the prevalence of parasites and disease on farms. [0003] New methods for controlling this loss are required given that synthetic approaches to treatment, such as the wide-spread use of antibiotics, lead to deleterious impacts on environmental and human health. Furthermore, the rapid increase in anthropogenic climate change is predicted to increase sea temperatures and exacerbate the impacts of disease. Immunostimulants that boost fish resistance to disease without negative environmental or human health impacts are required. [0004] There is a need to develop new aquaculture feeds that are capable of improving and enhancing growth rates, feed intake and innate immune responses; or at least the provision of alternative aquaculture feeds to compliment the previously known aquaculture feeds. The present disclosure seeks to provide an improved or alternative aquaculture feed. [0005] The previous discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0006] The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride for use as an Asparagopsis-based additive for aquaculture feed pellets. [0007] The method of manufacturing an Asparagopsis-based additive, the method comprising subjecting an Asparagopsis biomass to one or more of the following steps: − steeping the Asparagopsis biomass in a triglyceride; − freezing the Asparagopsis biomass; − drying the Asparagopsis biomass to produce an Asparagopsis-based additive comprising a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride. [0008] The disclosure also provides an Asparagopsis-based additive, a processed Asparagopsis material or fortified triglyceride produced by the method above. The processed Asparagopsis material or fortified triglyceride may then be used as an Asparagopsis-based additive for aquaculture feed pellets. [0009] The present disclosure further provides a method of manufacturing an aquaculture feed pellet containing an Asparagopsis-based additive, the method comprising the steps of: a) subjecting an Asparagopsis biomass to the following steps to produce a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride: i) steeping the Asparagopsis biomass in a triglyceride to produce an Asparagopsis- based additive comprising a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride; and ii) mixing the Asparagopsis-based additive with a binding agent b) incorporating the mixture of binding agent and an Asparagopsis-based additive into an aquaculture feed pellet to produce an aquaculture feed pellet containing an Asparagopsis-based additive. [0010] The present disclosure also provides the aquaculture feed pellet containing an Asparagopsis-based additive produced by the method above. [0011] Optionally, the processing of the Asparagopsis biomass results in a processed Asparagopsis material or triglyceride that retains most or all of the bromoform, dibromoacetic acid, and/or bromochloroacetic acid compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing. [0012] Optionally, the triglyceride is an oil, for example, a fish oil. [0013] Optionally, the Asparagopsis biomass is first steeped, then mixed with the binding agent to produce a processed Asparagopsis material. The processed Asparagopsis material may be dried and/or frozen before steeping, and/or dried and/or frozen after the steeping and mixing. DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Detailed Description of the Invention [0014] One approach to aquaculture feed development is the use of the macroalgae species Asparagopsis armata and Asparagopsis taxiformis as a supplement for finfish and crustacea aquaculture. Asparagopsis spp have previously been identified as an effective supplement in the diets of commercially farmed finfish and crustacea by enhancing growth rates, feed intake and innate immune-responses, among other beneficial-use responses. [0015] An effective approach for combining Asparagopsis spp. into a palatable aquaculture feed pellet would provide a functional feed ingredient that would boost the productivity of finfish and crustacea aquaculture by improving the health of these species. Method of manufacturing an Asparagopsis-based additive [0016] The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride for use as an Asparagopsis-based additive for aquaculture feed pellets. [0017] The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing an Asparagopsis-based additive, the method comprising subjecting an Asparagopsis biomass to one or more of the following steps: − steeping the Asparagopsis biomass in a triglyceride; − freezing the Asparagopsis biomass; and/or − drying the Asparagopsis biomass to produce an Asparagopsis-based additive comprising a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride. [0018] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing an Asparagopsis-based additive, the method comprising subjecting an Asparagopsis biomass to the following steps: i) steeping the Asparagopsis biomass in a triglyceride; to produce an Asparagopsis-based additive comprising the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride. [0019] The disclosure also provides an Asparagopsis-based additive, a processed Asparagopsis material or fortified triglyceride produced by the method above. The processed Asparagopsis material or fortified triglyceride may then be used as an Asparagopsis-based additive for aquaculture feed pellets. [0020] The present disclosure further provides a method of manufacturing an aquaculture feed pellet containing an Asparagopsis-based additive, the method comprising the steps of: a) subjecting an Asparagopsis biomass to one or more of the following steps to produce an Asparagopsis-based additive: − steeping the Asparagopsis biomass in a triglyceride; and/or − drying the Asparagopsis biomass to produce an Asparagopsis-based additive comprising a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride − mixing the Asparagopsis-based additive with a binding agent b) incorporating the mixture of binding agent and Asparagopsis-based additive into an aquaculture feed pellet to produce an aquaculture feed pellet containing an Asparagopsis-based additive. [0021] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing an aquaculture feed pellet containing an Asparagopsis-based additive, the method comprising the steps of: a) subjecting an Asparagopsis biomass to the following steps to produce a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride: i) steeping the Asparagopsis biomass in a triglyceride to produce an Asparagopsis- based additive comprising a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride; and ii) mixing the Asparagopsis-based additive with a binding agent b) incorporating the mixture of binding agent and Asparagopsis-based additive into an aquaculture feed pellet to produce an aquaculture feed pellet containing an Asparagopsis-based additive. [0022] The present disclosure also provides the aquaculture feed pellet containing an Asparagopsis-based additive produced by the methods above. [0023] Optionally, the Asparagopsis biomass contains one or more metabolites or bioactive compounds chosen from the following: phytosterols; tocopherols; carotenoids; bromoform; dibromoacetic acid; bromochloroacetic acid; bromine-, chlorine- and iodine-containing methanes, ethanes, ethanols, acetaldehydes, acetones, 2-acetoxypropanes, propens, epoxypropanes, acroleins and butenones. Bromoform and dibromoacetic acid have been identified as dominant compounds in A. armata and A. taxiformis. These halogenated compounds have been found to be capable of inhibiting the growth of specific bacterial strains and can lead to an improved immune response in fish against pathogenic bacteria. [0024] Optionally, the processing of the Asparagopsis biomass results in a processed Asparagopsis material that retains most or all of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing. Thus, the processed Asparagopsis material may contain the same amount or nearly the same amount of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds that were present in the Asparagopsis biomass, and/or may contain the same or similar profile of metabolites or bioactive compounds as the Asparagopsis biomass before processing even if the amounts of each compound or metabolite are reduced. For example, the processed Asparagopsis material may contain the same amount or nearly the same amount of one or more lipophilic metabolites or bioactive compounds that were present in the Asparagopsis biomass, and/or may contain the same or similar profile of lipophilic metabolites or bioactive compounds as the Asparagopsis biomass before processing even if the amounts of each lipophilic compound or metabolite are reduced. [0025] The processing of the Asparagopsis biomass may result in a processed Asparagopsis material that retains most or all of the bromoform, dibromoacetic acid, and/or bromochloroacetic acid compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing. Thus, the processed Asparagopsis material may contain the same amount or nearly the same amount of bromoform, dibromoacetic acid, and/or bromochloroacetic acid that was present in the Asparagopsis biomass, and/or may contain the same profile of bromoform, dibromoacetic acid, and/or bromochloroacetic acid as the Asparagopsis biomass before processing even if the amounts of each compound are reduced. [0026] In one aspect, the processing of the Asparagopsis biomass that results in a processed Asparagopsis material that retains most or all of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing is steeping of the Asparagopsis biomass. In another aspect, the processing of the Asparagopsis biomass that results in a processed Asparagopsis material that retains most or all of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing is steeping followed by drying the Asparagopsis biomass and/or mixing the Asparagopsis biomass with a binding agent. Thus, in one aspect the processed Asparagopsis material retains most or all of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds when compared to Asparagopsis biomass that has not been steeped. [0027] Optionally, the processing of the Asparagopsis biomass results in a fortified triglyceride that retains most or all of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing. Thus, the fortified triglyceride may contain the same amount or nearly the same amount of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds that were present in the Asparagopsis biomass, and/or may contain the same or similar profile of metabolites or bioactive compounds as the Asparagopsis biomass before processing even if the amounts of each compound or metabolite are reduced. For example, the fortified triglyceride may contain the same amount or nearly the same amount of one or more lipophilic metabolites or bioactive compounds that were present in the Asparagopsis biomass, and/or may contain the same or similar profile of lipophilic metabolites or bioactive compounds as the Asparagopsis biomass before processing even if the amounts of each lipophilic compound or metabolite are reduced. [0028] The processing of the Asparagopsis biomass may result in a fortified triglyceride that retains most or all of the bromoform, dibromoacetic acid, and/or bromochloroacetic acid compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing. Thus, the fortified triglyceride may contain the same amount or nearly the same amount of bromoform, dibromoacetic acid, and/or bromochloroacetic acid that was present in the Asparagopsis biomass, and/or may contain the same profile of bromoform, dibromoacetic acid, and/or bromochloroacetic acid as the Asparagopsis biomass before processing even if the amounts of each compound are reduced. [0029] In one aspect, the processing of the Asparagopsis biomass that results in a fortified triglyceride that retains most or all of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing is steeping of the Asparagopsis biomass. In another aspect, the processing of the Asparagopsis biomass that results in a fortified triglyceride that retains most or all of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing is steeping followed by drying the Asparagopsis biomass and/or mixing the Asparagopsis biomass with a binding agent. Thus, in one aspect the fortified triglyceride retains most or all of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds when compared to Asparagopsis biomass that has not been steeped. [0030] The processing of the Asparagopsis biomass may comprise two of the processing steps listed above, or three of the steps listed. [0031] If more than one step is carried out to produce a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride, the steps may be carried out in the following orders: − steeping, drying; − steeping, freezing; − drying, steeping; − freezing, steeping; − steeping, drying, freezing; − steeping, freezing, drying; − drying, steeping, freezing; − drying, freezing, steeping; − freezing, steeping, drying; − freezing, drying, steeping. Asparagopsis [0032] In the present specification, references to “Asparagopsis” generally, “Asparagopsis species”, “Asparagopsis spp.” or “Asparagopsis sp.” refer to all species in the genus Asparagopsis. Since taxonomic names can change, and species can be re-classified, the term also refers to species within the genus named using previous names and species within any future genus covering the organisms presently in the genus Asparagopsis. [0033] Asparagopsis taxiformis has a wide climatic range but typically proliferates in warm temperate to tropical climates whereas Asparagopsis armata is typically proliferates in cool temperate climates. Both species have a diplo-haplontic life-cycle with three morphologically distinct stages (two macro- and one micro-stage); gametophytes (macro), carposporophytes (micro) and tetrasporophytes (macro). At the gametophytic stage, both species share similar characteristics but are morphologically distinct from one another. Both species have rhizoids that give rise to several erect, polysiphonous stems. These ramify repeatedly into trisiphonous ramuli, defining the thallus. The gametophytes produce male gametes on antheridia and female gametes on carpogonia. In contrast, A. armata has spinose branches (harpoon-like serrated appendage), highly elongate erect branches and a sprawling habit in which the spines entangle among other benthic organism and artificial structures. A. taxiformis has a more compact rhizoidal system, lacks spiny branches, and forms more patchy tufts. [0034] The carposporophyte, is a microscopic life-stage and remains attached to the female gametophyte. Carposporophytes produce carpospores, which are released in the water column, and upon settlement on other macroalgae, develop into tetrasporophytes called “Falkenbergia- stage” (A. taxiformis - F. hillebrandii; A. armata – F. rufolanosa). These look like red pom-poms as they develop by ramifying trisiphonal, branching filaments. The Falkenbergia-stage were thought to be morphologically identical, though later found to have different sizes of the terminal cells between the two species when maintained in culture. Tetrasporophytes can produce tetraspores via asexual reproduction (meiosis). Tetraspores may be released into the water column and can settle on substratum and develop into gametophytes. [0035] Both species’ gametophyte and tetrasporophyte life-stages are sources of halogenated compounds, with important antifungal and antibiotic activity. The tetrasporophyte stage tends to have more halogenated compounds per unit biomass than the gametophyte stage due to less structural biomass. [0036] The commercial demand for these two species is due not only to their inherent ability to produce biologically active metabolites (e.g. bromoform, bromochloroacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid as well as small quantities of other bromine-, chlorine- and iodine-containing methanes, ethanes, ethanols, acetaldehydes, acetones, 2-acetoxypropanes, propens, epoxypropanes, acroleins and butenones), but also their ability to partition and store these compounds in specialized storage or gland cells to prevent autotoxicity. In addition to displaying powerful anti-methanogenic uses, Asparagopsis may represent a significant source of other bioactive compounds responsible for antioxidant and cytotoxic activity in pharmaceutical and veterinary settings. [0037] Optionally, the life-stage of Asparagopsis used in the methods of the present disclosure is the tetrasporophyte life-stage. The beneficial metabolites have been shown to be more concentrated in the tetrasporophytes. Alternatively, the gametophyte stage may be used. [0038] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the Asparagopsis is wild harvested. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the Asparagopsis is grown via offshore aquaculture. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the Asparagopsis is produced in an onshore raceway, pond, aquaria or photobioreactor. [0039] The Asparagopsis material may be cleaned prior to processing. For example, the harvested Asparagopsis biomass may be washed to remove salt, sand etc. The Asparagopsis biomass may be sorted to remove any algal biomass that is not Asparagopsis. Advantageously, the Asparagopsis biomass may be spun to get rid of excess water after washing. In some embodiments, only parts of the seaweed are used. For example, after harvesting, the upright portions may be cut off, leaving the rhizome/root-like structures for processing to render it suitable as an additive for an aquaculture feed. Cleaning Asparagopsis Biomass [0040] The Asparagopsis biomass may be cleaned before steeping or other processing steps are carried out. The Asparagopsis biomass may be washed in seawater and/or fresh water (for example deionised water) to remove contaminants such as salt, solid grit and sand, and biomass from other species of seaweed. The cleaning may be carried out in steps, with some washes being conducted using seawater and some washes being conducted using fresh water. For example, the Asparagopsis biomass may be cleaned by washing in seawater at the point of collection, the washed one or more times in a separate, processing location using fresh water. The Asparagopsis biomass may be cleaned before freezing, before drying or before steeping. [0041] It is known that exposure to temperatures above 20⁰C elevates production of reactive oxygen species in algal cells, increasing the release of bromoform. Bromoform itself is also a volatile compound (vapor pressure of 5.40 mm Hg at 25°C) and is not found in liquid form outside the cell at room temperature. The cleaning of the Asparagopsis biomass may therefore be carried out at room temperate, or a temperature lower than room temperature. For example, the cleaning may be carried out at 25⁰C, 22⁰C, 20⁰C, 18⁰C, 16⁰C, 14⁰C, 12⁰C, 10⁰C, 8⁰C, 7⁰C, 6⁰C, 5 ⁰C, 4⁰C, 3⁰C, 2⁰C, or 1⁰C.In one aspect, the cleaning is carried out at between 20⁰C and 8⁰C, or between 18⁰C and 10⁰C, for example about 18⁰C, 15⁰C and 10⁰C. Triglyceride steeping [0042] The Asparagopsis biomass is steeped in a triglyceride (an oil or fat) as one step in the processing of the material to produce a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride. Oils are generally defined as triglycerides that are liquid at room temperature, fats are generally defined as triglycerides that are solid at room temperature. Optionally, the Asparagopsis biomass is steeped in an oil, that is a triglyceride that is liquid at room temperature. [0043] By steeping the Asparagopsis biomass in a triglyceride, the concentrations of the metabolites and bioactive compounds in the biomass may be preserved in the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride. Optionally, the preserved metabolites and bioactive compounds are lipophilic metabolites and bioactive compounds. Optionally, the metabolites and bioactive compounds are bromoform, bromochloroacetic acid and/or dibromoacetic acid. Without being held to any theory, triglycerides are effective at capturing, retaining, and preventing the degradation of metabolites and bioactive compounds, particularly lipophilic metabolites and bioactive compounds. For example, phytosterols, tocopherols, and carotenoids and bromoform, bromochloroacetic acid and/or dibromoacetic acid can be preserved in triglycerides when stored at room temperature in spite of light and oxygen exposure, due to their lipophilicity. Lipophilic compounds have higher partition coefficients (log KOW), a ratio measured by the difference in solubility in two immiscible liquids, which can range between −3 (extremely hydrophilic) and +10 (extremely lipophilic). Bromoform has a log KOW of +2.38. Partitioning of metabolites and bioactive compounds, particularly lipophilic metabolites and bioactive compounds, from fresh algal biomass into triglycerides may reduce the losses of those compounds due to the volatilisation that occurs during the processing and storage of harvested biomass. [0044] During the steeping of the Asparagopsis biomass in the triglyceride, the metabolites and bioactive compounds gradually move from the Asparagopsis biomass into the triglyceride. This process is due to the partition coefficient between the triglyceride and the Asparagopsis biomass and to the physical breakdown of cells of the Asparagopsis biomass which releases the cell contents into the environment. The Asparagopsis biomass may form an emulsion with the triglyceride, and the biomass may either be retained in the triglyceride or the solids separated from the triglyceride. The triglyceride after steeping is referred to as a “fortified triglyceride” and may contain all, the majority of or at least some of the metabolites or bioactive compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing. [0045] Asparagopsis biomass is often frozen after harvest for convenient transport and storage. However, even if it is frozen immediately after harvesting some metabolite loss may occur, particularly of volatile and reactive compounds such as bromoform, dibromoacetic acid, and bromochloroacetic acid. If the biomass is steeped in a triglyceride immediately or shortly after harvest, for example before freezing or drying, there may be a reduction in loss of metabolites and bioactive compounds due to volatilisation and breakdown. [0046] Optionally, the triglyceride is an organic a triglyceride. Optionally, the triglyceride is an edible triglyceride. Optionally, the triglyceride is an edible organic triglyceride. The triglyceride may be derived from any source, including a plant derived triglyceride (such as a triglycerides derived from algae, coconut, safflower, canola, peanut, rapeseed and cottonseed etc), or an animal derived triglyceride (such as triglycerides derived from fish, chicken, sheep, cattle, pigs, insects, etc). The plant derived triglyceride may be a plant derived oil, the animal derived triglyceride may be an animal derived oil. [0047] Insect triglycerides (e.g., insect oils) may be used as the organic triglyceride. For example, insect triglycerides derived from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), or crickets and grasshoppers (Orthoptera – Ensifera and Caelifera) may be used as the organic triglyceride in the present method. [0048] Another example of a useful triglyceride is a fish triglyceride (e.g., a fish oil). As the processed Asparagopsis material is intended to be incorporated into an aquaculture feed, the finfish and crustacea that will eventually eat the aquaculture feed prefer a fish-based taste profile. Alternatively, the triglyceride may be an algal derived triglyceride (e.g., an algal derived oil), as this also provides an aquatic-based taste profile. [0049] The triglycerides within which the Asparagopsis biomass is steeped may be further mixed with by-products, including marine by-products. The by-products may be animal by-products (for example blood, offal, viscera, muscle, bone meal) or other organic material such as a plant biomass. For example, the animal by-products may be fish by-products such as blood, offal, viscera, muscle, bone meal, gills, fins etc. Alternatively, the animal by-products may be derived from non-aquatic animals (such as by-products derived from chicken, sheep, cattle, pigs etc). The plant biomass may comprise or consist of an aquatic biomass (such as an algal biomass from a non-Asparagopsis species of algae, or an algal biomass derived from Asparagopsis that has been processed for another purpose, such as the Asparagopsis by-product of bromoform extraction for cattle feed). In some embodiments, the plant biomass may be a terrestrial plant biomass, such as the by-products left from the processing of seeds such as coconut, rapeseed, peanuts etc after oil extraction has occurred. [0050] If the triglyceride fats and oils and by-products are derived from aquatic sources, preferably the materials are derived from skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), barramundi (Lates calcarifer), albacore (Thunnus alalunga), bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) and longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol). In another embodiment, the fats and oils and by-products may be derived from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) or pilchard (Sardina pilchardus). The triglycerides and by-products may be derived from wild caught fish or farmed fish. [0051] In some embodiments of this disclosure the ratio of Asparagopsis biomass (in grams) to by-products (in millilitres) is 1:1. In some embodiments of this disclosure the ratio of Asparagopsis biomass (in grams) to by-products (in millilitres) is 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1. [0052] It is known that bromoform is a volatile compound (vapor pressure of 5.40 mm Hg at 25°C) and is not found in liquid form outside the cell at room temperature. Therefore, the steeping of the Asparagopsis biomass in the triglyceride may be carried out at room temperate, or a temperature lower than room temperature. For example, the steeping may be carried out at 25⁰C, 22⁰C, 20 ⁰C, 18⁰C, 16⁰C, 14⁰C, 12⁰C, 10⁰C, 8⁰C, 7⁰C, 6⁰C, 5⁰C, 4⁰C, 3⁰C, 2⁰C, or 1⁰C.In one aspect, the steeping is carried out at between 10⁰C and 1⁰C, or between 7⁰C and 4⁰C, for example about 5⁰C. Steeping for periods of time at cold temperatures will increase the retention of the bromoform in the oil by reducing volatilisation. [0053] The Asparagopsis biomass may be steeped in the triglycerides (either in the presence or absence of the by-products) for a period of at least one day. The steeping may be carried out for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 days. In some cases, the steeping may be carried out for more than 14 days. [0054] The processed Asparagopsis material after steeping may be retained in combination with the triglyceride, which triglyceride will now be a fortified triglyceride comprising the metabolites or bioactive compounds from the Asparagopsis. For example, the fortified triglyceride will now comprise at least some and preferably the majority of the bromoform, bromochloroacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid from the Asparagopsis. Alternatively, the processed Asparagopsis material may be separated from the fortified triglyceride and the processed Asparagopsis material and fortified triglyceride may be used or further processed separately. Drying [0055] Before use, the Asparagopsis biomass may be dried to remove most or all of the water content to produce a processed Asparagopsis material. • Air drying [0056] Methods of air drying are well known to the skilled reader. For example, the Asparagopsis biomass may be air dried at about 20⁰C to 30⁰C (for example 20⁰C, 22⁰C, 25⁰C, 27⁰C or room temperature) for a period of at least 24 hours to produce a processed Asparagopsis material. • Freeze-drying [0057] Methods of freeze drying are well known to the skilled reader. For example, the Asparagopsis biomass may be freeze dried at from -50⁰C to -80⁰C for a period of at least one hour to produce a processed Asparagopsis material. • Heat drying [0058] Methods of heat drying are well known to the skilled reader. For example, the Asparagopsis biomass may be heat dried at about 35⁰C to 60⁰C (for example about 40⁰C) for a period of at least 24 hours to produce a processed Asparagopsis material. [0059] The Asparagopsis biomass may be dried by the above methods before steeping in the triglyceride or before freezing, or the processed Asparagopsis material may be dried by the above methods after steeping in the triglyceride or after freezing. Binding agent [0060] The processed Asparagopsis material may be mixed with a binding agent to produce a thickened processed Asparagopsis material, comprising metabolites or bioactive compounds. The presence of a binding agent increases the ability of the processed Asparagopsis material to be incorporated into an aquaculture feed pellet. This is of particular use when the incorporation is achieved by spraying the processed Asparagopsis material onto pre-formed aquaculture feed pellets. In one form of the invention, Asparagopsis biomass is steeped, dried and/or frozen to form a processed Asparagopsis material before being mixed with a binding agent. For example, the Asparagopsis biomass may be steeped, then frozen (then thawed), then mixed with a binding agent. Alternatively, the Asparagopsis biomass may be steeped, then dried, then mixed with a binding agent. [0061] For all of the above options, the fortified triglyceride (triglyceride after at least steeping of the Asparagopsis biomass in a triglyceride) may remain associated with the processed Asparagopsis material. Alternatively, the processed Asparagopsis material may be separated from the fortified triglyceride, as the majority of the metabolites or bioactive compounds have moved from the Asparagopsis material into the triglyceride due to the partition coefficient and the physical breakdown of cells. If the processed Asparagopsis material is separated from the fortified triglyceride, the fortified triglyceride comprising the metabolites or bioactive compounds may be mixed with a binding agent to produce a thickened fortified triglyceride. [0062] Examples of suitable binders include gelatine, agar, pectin, arrowroot, xanthan gum etc. An example of a binder is fish-derived gelatine, as it retains the fish-based taste profile preferred by the finfish or crustacea. [0063] In some embodiments of this disclosure, powdered agar is added to the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride at a ratio of 1:48, 1:24 or 1:12 w/w to act as a binding agent. [0064] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be heated to from 40 ºC to 100⁰C (for example 40⁰C or 80⁰C) and pectin introduced at from 20% to 40% w/w of the end product weight, for example 24% to 30% w/w of the end product weight processed Asparagopsis material or at from 20% to 40% w/w of the end product weight of fortified triglyceride, for example 24% to 30% w/w of the end product weight of fortified triglyceride. [0065] In some embodiments of this disclosure, gelatine powder, such as fish-derived gelatine powder, may be added to chilled (below 12 ºC) processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride. The gelatine / Asparagopsis mixture or gelatine / triglyceride mixture is allowed to bloom for from 30 to 60 minutes. The gelatine is added at a ratio of 1:9, 1:20 or 1:40 w/w (gelatine:processed Asparagopsis material or gelatine:fortified triglyceride). The gelatine, processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride is heated to above 40ºC. The mixtures may optionally be homogenised, for example using an industrial stick blender or other stirring apparatus. [0066] After mixing with a binding agent, the mixture of binding agent, processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be cooled to below 12⁰C for a period of from 6 hours to 24 hours. [0067] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the mixture of binding agent, processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride is placed into a fish pellet mould prior to cooling. This mould may also take the form of a soft capsule. Additional Agents [0068] The processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be mixed with an additional agent. For example, the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be mixed with an additional agent with metabolic or nutritional activity. The additional agent may be chosen from: minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorous); vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, C, D3, E, K3, B1, B3, B6, B5, B12); folic acid; inositol; biotin; antibiotics and other medicinal compounds. [0069] The processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be mixed with an omega-3 fatty acid such as α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The omega-3 fatty acid may act as a nutritional supplement. The omega-3 fatty acid may also act as an emulsifier between the Asparagopsis biomass or processed Asparagopsis material, the triglyceride and/or the binding agent. In one embodiment, the ALA, EPA, or DHA is added as a supplement to the processed Asparagopsis material, binding agent and/or fortified triglyceride. In another embodiment, the ALA, EPA, or DHA may be present in the triglycerides and by-products used to process the Asparagopsis material; that is the ALA, EPA, or DHA may be present in the triglyceride (particularly a marine triglyceride) used for steeping the Asparagopsis material and/or the byproducts (particularly a marine by-product) that may be mixed with the triglyceride and the Asparagopsis material. In one aspect, the omega-3 fatty acid is DHA. [0070] Alternatively, the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be mixed with an additional agent that is an excipient, carrier or bulking agent. For example, the additional agent may be chosen from binders, fillers, amino acids, colourants, chelating agents and stabilisers. The processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be mixed with an additional agent that is a food agent or food ingredient. For example, the additional agent may be chosen from vegetable matter (e.g., flour, meal, starch or cracked grain produced from a crop vegetable such as wheat, alfalfa, corn, oats, potato, rice, and soybeans); cellulose in a form that may be obtained from wood pulp, grasses, plant leaves, and waste vegetable matter such as rice or soy bean hulls, or corn cobs; animal matter (e.g., meat meal, bone meal, feather meal, or blood meal). Aquaculture Pellet [0071] The processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be incorporated into an aquaculture feed pellet by either coating a pre-formed aquaculture feed pellet with the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride, or combining the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride with the ingredients for the manufacture of an aquaculture feed pellet before the pellets are formed. • Pellet coating [0072] The processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be sprayed or otherwise applied to the surface of pre-formed aquaculture feed pellets. [0073] Optionally, the application rate for coating the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride onto the aquaculture feed pellets is 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000 or 2250 mg kg⁻¹ (mg processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride per kg dry matter of pellets). [0074] The pellet coating may occur immediately before feeding of the aquaculture feed pellet to the aquaculture animal recipient (eg finfish or crustacea). In this case, the coating of processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride on the pellets may still be wet when the coated pellets are introduced into the aquaculture environment. [0075] Alternatively, the pellet coating may occur some time before the aquaculture feed pellets are used. In this case, the pellets coated with the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be dried after coating. This drying will increase the shelf life of the pellets and stop the wet pellets from clumping or dissolving during storage. The pellets coated with the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be dried at from 80⁰C for 6 hours to 8 hours. The drying may occur at 100⁰C. • Pellet manufacture [0076] As an alternative to coating an aquaculture feed pellet with the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride, the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride may be directly incorporated into an aquaculture feed pellet as it is manufactured. This may be accompanied by subsequent coating of the pellets containing the processed Asparagopsis material with additional processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride. [0077] Methods to manufacture feed pellets to a preferred size are known to the skilled reader. For example, the methods outlined by Draganovic (2013) [Towards Sustainable Fish Feed Production Using Novel Protein Sources 22 October 2013, XP055109165 <URL:http://edepot.wur.nl/277586] for incorporating novel protein sources into fish feed production may be used. [0078] Optionally, the rate at which the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride is introduced into the ingredients for the manufacture of an aquaculture feed pellet before the pellets are formed is 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000 or 2250 mg kg⁻¹ (mg processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride per kg dry matter of pellets). [0079] Optionally, the aquaculture feed pellets (either those to be coated with the processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride or those that are manufactured to contain processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride) are 0.5mm to 15.00mm in diameter depending on the finfish or crustacea species targeted for feeding. For example, the diameter of the pellets may be 0.5mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm. 2.00mm, 2.5mm. 3.00mm, 4.00mm, 5.00mm, 8.00mm, or 15.00mm. For example, the pellets may be sized from 0.5mm to 4.0mm in diameter. General [0080] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, formulations and compounds referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features. [0081] Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness. [0082] Any manufacturer’s instructions, descriptions, product specifications, and product sheets for any products mentioned herein or in any document incorporated by reference herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and may be employed in the practice of the invention. [0083] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein. [0084] The invention described herein may include one or more range of values (eg. Size, displacement and field strength etc). A range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. Hence “about 80 %” means “about 80 %” and also “80 %”. At the very least, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches. [0085] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. It is also noted that in this disclosure and particularly in the claims and/or paragraphs, terms such as “comprises”, “comprised”, “comprising” and the like can have the meaning attributed to it in U.S. Patent law; e.g., they can mean “includes”, “included”, “including”, and the like; and that terms such as “consisting essentially of” and “consists essentially of” have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law, e.g., they allow for elements not explicitly recited, but exclude elements that are found in the prior art or that affect a basic or novel characteristic of the invention. [0086] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. The term “active agent” may mean one active agent, or may encompass two or more active agents. [0087] The following examples serve to more fully describe the manner of using the above- described invention, as well as to set forth the best modes contemplated for carrying out various aspects of the invention. It is understood that these methods in no way serve to limit the true scope of this invention, but rather are presented for illustrative purposes. EXAMPLES [0088] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following non- limiting Examples. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad description of the invention as set out above. Example 1 Collection of seaweed and preparation of fish feed. [0089] Gametopyhte material of Asparagopsis armata was harvested from Immersion Group’s aquaculture farm near Portarlington, Victoria on Port Phillip Bay during October 2022. The seaweed was collected in large catch bags before being placed in a 1000 litre Hauser™ bin with fresh seawater pumped in at a rate of 100 litre per minute. The seaweed was sorted manually to remove other species of macroalgae, amphipods, seagrass, sand, rock or other foreign objects. [0090] Sorted Asparagopsis was then rinsed in chilled seawater (<10⁰C) and placed in an industrial centrifuge for approximately 30 seconds to remove excess seawater. [0091] Four parallel samples, each of 500 grams wet weight Asparagopsis armata, were then exposed to different treatments. Treatment One – oil steeping and pellet coating [0092] Immediately after collection, 500 grams of Asparagopsis armata biomass was combined with 500 grams of Gotcha Bait™ Southern Bluefin Tuna Oil that had been pre-chilled in a cool room to 4⁰C and placed on ice. The Asparagopsis-tuna oil composition was stirred in a 20 litre plastic pail using a large steel spatula and the pail was sealed immediately with an airtight lid. The pail was stored in a cool room at 4⁰C. [0093] The product was allowed to steep for a period of 7 days, before the pail was opened and the Asparagopsis-tuna oil composition homogenised using a commercial stick blender for a period of 40-50 seconds. This product was allowed to rest for a further 24 hours at 4⁰C. [0094] The next day 200 bloom Louis François™ fish gelatine powder was added to the chilled, homogenised Asparagopsis-tuna oil composition at a ratio of 1:9. The gelatinised Asparagopsis-tuna oil composition was subsequently placed in a 5 litre metal saucepan and heated to 60⁰C for a period of 5 minutes, under constant agitation. The composition was allowed to settle at room temperature (circa 20⁰C) for 4 hours before it was placed back in a 20 litre plastic pail and stored at 4⁰C. [0095] The following day, the gelatinised Asparagopsis-tuna oil composition was placed into the reservoir of a commercial spray unit and stirred to improve fluidity. The spray unit featured a pump that allowed for even application of the gelatinised Asparagopsis-tuna oil composition over commercial fish pellets to achieve the desired ratio of 1750 mg kg⁻¹ (mg gelatinised Asparagopsis- tuna oil composition per kg dry matter of commercial fish pellets). [0096] The gelatinised Asparagopsis-tuna oil composition coated commercial fish pellets were then placed in an oven dryer for a period of 24 hours at 40⁰C. Treatment Two – freeze-drying, oil steeping and pellet coating [0097] A 500 gram portion of Asparagopsis armata was placed in a plastic bag with small airholes punctured in the side. The seaweed was immediately placed on ice, before being transferred to a blast freezer and brought below -30⁰C. The Asparagopsis armata was stored at this temperature for a period of 14 days. [0098] After 14 days, the freeze-dried Asparagopsis armata was combined with 500 grams of Gotcha Bait™ Southern Bluefin Tuna Oil that had been pre-chilled in a cool room to 4⁰C and placed on ice. The Asparagopsis-tuna oil composition was stirred in a 20 litre plastic pail using a large steel spatula and the pail was sealed immediately with an airtight lid. The pail was stored in a cool room at 4⁰C. [0099] The protocol of Treatment One was then repeated for this sample of Asparagopsis. Treatment Three – drying, oil steeping and pellet coating [00100] A 500 gram portion of Asparagopsis armata was placed in a plastic bag and kept at room temperature (circa 20⁰C). Within 4 hours of harvest, it was transported to a commercial food dehydrator and dried at 40 ⁰C for 24 hours. The dried product was removed from the dehydrator, crushed, pounded into a coarse powder and then stored at room temperature (circa 20⁰C) for a period of seven days. [00101] The dried Asparagopsis product was combined with 500 grams of Gotcha Bait™ Southern Bluefin Tuna Oil that had been pre-chilled in a cool room to 4⁰C and placed on ice. The Asparagopsis-tuna oil composition was stirred in a 20 litre plastic pail using a large steel spatula and the pail was sealed immediately with an airtight lid. The pail was stored in a cool room at 4⁰C. Treatment Four – drying, oil steeping and pellet manufacture [00102] A 500 gram portion of Asparagopsis armata was placed in a plastic bag and kept at room temperature (circa 20⁰C). Within 4 hours of harvest, it was transported to a commercial food dehydrator and dried at 40 ⁰C for 24 hours. The dried product was removed from the dehydrator, crushed, pounded into a coarse powder and then stored at room temperature (circa 20⁰C) for a period of seven days. [00103] The dried Asparagopsis product was introduced to the wet precursor ingredients of fish pellets and agitated to combine. The wet Asparagopsis-fish pellet material was introduced to a continuous mould and the product underwent a two-step drying process: 12 hours at 80⁰C, followed by a 24 hour rest period and then 12 hours at 40⁰C. Results [00104] Using those seaweed processing and preparation techniques outlined above, it was possible to produce an Asparagopsis supplement suitable for application via fish meal in an aquaculture setting. [00105] The fish pellets that underwent any of the above Treatments maintained structural integrity when added to saltwater for a period of >5 minutes, considered ample opportunity for farmed fish or crustacea species to consume the pellets. This is an advantage over many currently available commercial fish pellets that take on water and have a tendency to sink prior to consumption. [00106] Organic and Nutrient Testing was undertaken using chromatography-grade methanol and partitioning. This analysis revealed that immediately steeping the Asparagopsis biomass in fish oil (see Treatment One) is particularly advantageous for preserving concentrations of bromoform and dibromoacetic acid. These compounds are beneficial metabolites that are believed to aid immunoresponses in fishes. [00107] Gelatinating the product using a natural fish gelatine ensured that the supplement of Asparagopsis-infused fish oil effectively bound to the commercial fish pellet, offering a novel delivery mechanism in the aquatic environment. [00108] The methods outlined above offer the opportunity for significant commercial application of Asparagopsis supplement to complement existing fish pellet production systems and to enhance the composition of existing fish pellet formula preparations. Example 2 Fish Oil Extraction [00109] To test the efficacy of a marine by-product (tuna oil) as an emulsifier for key beneficial metabolites, including bromoform and dibromoacetic acid, in Asparagopsis armata and Asparagopsis taxiformis tetrasporophytes, with a view to producing a product that preserves key beneficial use metabolites suitable for inclusion in finfish or other aquaculture species meal. Equipment: − Scales: Westlab Precision 665-080 − Glassware: 250ml and 500ml Westlab Boro 3.3 glassware with plastic tops − Bonza Bait™ Tuna oil − Testrasporophyte – Asparagopsis taxiformis − Testrasporophyte – Asparagopsis armata Treatment One: [00110] 39.664 grams of Asparagopsis taxiformis was harvested from Immersion Group’s patented photobioreactor system in Portarlington on 11 August 2023. The material was immediately dewatered using a salad spinner, placed into a plastic ziplock bag and introduced into a chest freezer set to -20⁰C. [00111] On 20 November 2023, the material was retrieved from the freezer and re-weighed. 33.053 grams of Bonza Bait™ Tuna Oil was added to the frozen material, giving a ratio of 1.2:1 Asparagopsis to oil. The Asparagopsis material was allowed to thaw in the oil and then steep at ambient room temperature (17⁰C at time of introduction). [00112] The oil emulsification was maintained at ambient temperature for 5 days in dark conditions in a sealed room. The emulsified preparation was posted to Analytical Services Tasmania for bromoform analysis. Results [00113] The marine by-product proved an effective medium for emulsifying bromoform for future utilisation as a fish meal supplement. Analysis undertaken by Analytical Services Tasmania identified bromoform concentrations of 57 mg/kg above background concentrations (Table 1). Treatment Two [00114] 78.475 grams of Asparagopsis armata was harvested from a glass 250ml beaker in tumble culture on 11 August 2023. The material was immediately dewatered using a salad spinner, weighed and then placed into a plastic ziplock bag and introduced into a chest freezer set to -20⁰C. [00115] On 20 November 2023, the material was retrieved from the freezer and re-weighed. 156.945 grams of Bonza Bait™ Tuna Oil was added to the frozen material, giving a ratio of 0.5:1 Asparagopsis to oil. The Asparagopsis material was allowed to thaw in the oil and then steep at ambient room temperature (17⁰C at time of introduction). [00116] The oil emulsification was maintained at ambient temperature for 5 days in dark conditions in a sealed room. The emulsified preparation was posted to Analytical Services Tasmania for bromoform analysis. Results [00117] The marine by-product proven an effective medium for emulsifying bromoform for future utilisation as a fish meal supplement. Analysis undertaken by Analytical Services Tasmania identified bromoform concentrations of 106 mg/kg above background concentrations (Table 1). Table 1: Bromoform Analysis for Asparagopsis oils emulsified in fish oil.

Example 3 Fish Oil Extraction Methods Seaweed collection [00118] Asparagopsis taxiformis was hand-collected at Point Peron, Western Australia (32.27189^o S, 115.68818^o E). Gametophyte thalli were placed in a catch bag, kept in a cooler with seawater from the collection area, and then transported (1 hour) to the Indian Ocean Marine Research Center – Watermans Bay laboratory. Seaweed chilling, cleaning, rinsing and dewatering [00119] Once the samples arrived in the laboratory, gametophytes were transferred into vessels containing filtered seawater at 18⁰C where the seaweed was cleaned, and debris and other seaweed species removed. This process takes two minutes, after which time the seaweed was transferred to a 15⁰C seawater bath for a further two minutes to chill and for additional cleaning. The seaweed was then transferred to 10⁰C seawater bath for further chilling and cleaning. After the series of cooling baths and cleaning, the seaweed was then dip-rinsed (3 x 1 second dips) in 10⁰C deionized water to remove salt and other heavy metal contaminants. [00120] After dip-rinsing, the seaweed was spin dried at 5g centrifuge for two minutes to remove excess water. The seaweed was then mixed with Neptune Fish Magnet™ 100% Pure Oil (Tuna) (ratio of 2 parts oil to 1 part seaweed), and finely chopped while submerged in the oil to assist in disrupting the gland cells to release bromoform. The oil and seaweed were sealed within an airtight vessel and left to steep for seven days at 5⁰C. [00121] After seven days, the vessel was centrifuged (5000 rpm for 10 minutes) to separate the seaweed solids from the oil. The oil was then transferred to a new vessel where it could be filtered further or undergo analyse. Results [00122] Using the steps above it has been demonstrated that bromoform can be extracted from Asparagopsis and retained within fish oil. Table 2: Bromoform concentration after Asparagopsis was steeped in oil for seven days at 5^oC.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method of manufacturing an Asparagopsis-based additive, the method comprising subjecting an Asparagopsis biomass to one or more of the following steps: − steeping the Asparagopsis biomass in a triglyceride; − freezing the Asparagopsis biomass ; − drying the Asparagopsis biomass to produce an Asparagopsis-based additive comprising a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride. 2. A method of manufacturing an aquaculture feed pellet containing an Asparagopsis-based additive, the method comprising the steps of: a) subjecting an Asparagopsis biomass to the following steps to produce a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride: i) steeping the Asparagopsis biomass in a triglyceride to produce an Asparagopsis- based additive comprising a processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride; and ii) mixing the Asparagopsis-based additive with a binding agent b) incorporating the mixture of binding agent and an Asparagopsis-based additive into an aquaculture feed pellet to produce an aquaculture feed pellet containing an Asparagopsis-based additive. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the triglyceride is a fish oil. 4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processed Asparagopsis material retains most or all of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing. 5. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fortified triglyceride retains most or all of one or more of the metabolites or bioactive compounds present in the Asparagopsis biomass before processing. 6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein the metabolites or bioactive compounds are one or more of: phytosterols; tocopherols; carotenoids; bromoform; dibromoacetic acid; bromochloroacetic acid; bromine-, chlorine- and iodine-containing methanes, ethanes, ethanols, acetaldehydes, acetones, 2-acetoxypropanes, propens, epoxypropanes, acroleins and butenones. 7. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein the metabolites or bioactive compounds are bromoform, dibromoacetic acid and/or bromochloroacetic acid. 8. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the biomass is first steeped. 9. The method of claim 2, wherein the incorporation of the Asparagopsis-based additive into an aquaculture feed pellet is by the following methods: − coating a pre-formed aquaculture feed pellet with the Asparagopsis-based additive; and/or − combining the Asparagopsis-based additive with the ingredients for the manufacture of an aquaculture feed pellet before the pellets are formed to form an aquaculture feed pellet comprising Asparagopsis-based additive. 10. A processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride produced by the method of claim 1. 11. An aquaculture feed pellet comprising processed Asparagopsis material and/or fortified triglyceride produced by the method of claim 2.