The yellow mullet fish oil from the Banc d’Arguin Imrâguens in Mauritania: an example of polyunsaturated fatty acids transfer from diatoms to the fish within the alimentary chain

A study reveals that yellow mullet fish oil from the Banc d'Arguin National Park contains exceptionally high levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The research demonstrates a transfer of these nutrients from diatoms—microscopic algae that constitute 20-30% of the mullet's diet—to the fish through their digestive system. Genomic analysis identified specific lipases in the mullet, including those homologous to human gastric and pancreatic enzymes, suggesting they play a role in breaking down diatom lipids rich in EPA. This finding underscores the nutritional value of traditional fishing practices by local communities, the Imrâguens, who harvest mullet during its migration, highlighting the ecological and economic significance of this unique marine ecosystem.

Boune, M. V. S., Cheikh, M. A. S., Ba, M. A., Barouh, N., Legeret, B., Souvi, S. M. O., Deida, M. V., Launay, H., & Carrière, F. (2024). The yellow mullet fish oil from the Banc d’Arguin Imrâguens in Mauritania: an example of polyunsaturated fatty acids transfer from diatoms to the fish within the alimentary chain. Ocl, 31, 23. https://doi.org/10.1051/ocl/2024023