Overview
Profile summary
Ph.D. Student - Biological Sciences (Fish Health and Nutrition)
Member of the Fish Nutrition and Health research group
Research topic: Investigating the potential utilization of insect meals as an alternative protein source in tilapia and carp feed.
Director of Studies: Dr. Daniel Merrifield
2nd Supervisor: Dr. Mark Rawling
Insects are a promising source of protein for fish diets in aquaculture to replace conventional sources such as fish meal due to sustainability issues. This research will investigate the nutrition value of insect meals for omnivorous freshwater fish such as tilapia. In particular, black soldier fly (BSF: Hermetia illucens) meal will be used to replace conventional protein sources in the diets of the fish. The aim is to improve dietary sustainability whilst also promoting good fish health, robustness and growth performance. A series of experiments will be undertaken to elucidate the value of insect meals in this context.
Professional memberships
- World Aquaculture Society (WAS)
- European Aquaculture Society (EAS)
- Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN)
- American Fisheries Society (AFS)
Roles on external bodies
Guest Advisor, Cogent Food & Agriculture (ISSN 2331-1983). Taylor & Francis Group. UK.
- Article Collection: Advancements in Alternative Proteins for Aquafeed: Enhancing Nutritional Quality and Utilization.
Peer reviewer of research manuscripts for the following journals:
- Fishes | Animals | Aquaculture Journal | Aquaculture International | Fisheries Science | Aquaculture Research | Reviews in Aquaculture | Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems | Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Teaching interests
Fish nutrition | Fish health | Aquaculture | Climate change and fish production
Profile summary
Member of the Fish Nutrition and Health Research Group
Additional information
Grants & Awards
- 2025 Research Grant, Seale-Hayne Educational Trust (SHET) and Centre of Research Excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS), UK.
- 2025 School of Biological and Marine Sciences Conference Awards, University of Plymouth, UK.
- 2024 Travel Grant, Fisheries Society of the British Isles (FSBI), UK.
- 2024 Travel Grant, Plymouth Marine Science and Education Foundation (PlyMSEF), UK
- 2023 Study Travel Grant, Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK
- 2022 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC), UK.
- 2018 China Scholarship Council (CSC), Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), China P.R.
Academic qualifications
Agriculture, food and related studies, Other higher degree (e.g. Masters degree), Clostridium autoethanogenum as a novel protein source in the diet of juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT)., Nanjing Agricultural University
Award Date: 15 Jun 2020
Agriculture, food and related studies, First Degree, Assessing the abundance and distribution of tilapia species in Lake Kariba, Copperbelt University
Award Date: 30 Nov 2016
Research Interests
- Novel feed ingredients
- Aquaculture
- Fish nutrition
- Fish health
- Food systems
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 1 No Poverty -
SDG 2 Zero Hunger -
SDG 4 Quality Education -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 14 Life Below Water
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, larvae meal improves intestinal health and growth performance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, juveniles
Maulu, S., Eynon, B., Abarra, S., Rawling, M. & Merrifield, D., 9 Jun 2025, In: Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. 56, 3, e70035.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile10 Downloads (Pure) -
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Autochthonous Probiotics and Their Effects on the Mucosal Health of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Abarra, S. T., Maulu, S., Odu-Onikosi, S. G., Momoh, T. A., Eynon, B., Emery, M., Rawling, M. & Merrifield, D. L., 15 Nov 2025, In: Animals. 15, 22, 3296.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
Alternative Protein Sources in Tilapia Feeds: Perspectives from Africa
Maulu, S., Odu-Onikosi, S., Abarra, S., Momoh, T., Joshua, F. & Rawling, M., 19 Sept 2024, Sustainable Feed Ingredients and Additives for Aquaculture Farming: Perspectives from Africa and Asia. Springer Nature, p. 43-80 (Sustainability Sciences in Asia and Africa).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
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Aquaculture in Zambia: The Current Status, Challenges, Opportunities and Adaptable Lessons Learnt from China
Zhang, L., Maulu, S., Hua, F., Chama, M. K. H. & Xu, P., 1 Jan 2024, In: Fishes. 9, 1, 14.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open AccessFile8 Downloads (Pure) -
Contribution of fish to food and nutrition security in Southern Africa: challenges and opportunities in fish production
Maulu, S., Musuka, C. G., Molefe, M., Ngoepe, T. K., Gabriel, N. N., Mphande, J., Phiri, M., Muhala, V., Macuiane, M. A., Ndebele-Murisa, M. R., Hasimuna, O. J., Bokhutlo, T., Mulumpwa, M., Erasmus, V. N., Jere, W., Dekesa, C. H., Mubaya, C. P., Baloi, M. F., Iitembu, J. A. & Siankwilimba, E. & 1 others, , 4 Dec 2024, In: Frontiers in Nutrition. 11, 1424740.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open AccessFile159 Downloads (Pure)
Theses
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Investigating the potential utilisation of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) as an alternative protein source in tilapia and carp feed
Maulu, S. (Author), Merrifield, D. (Director of Studies (First Supervisor)) & Rawling, M. (Other Supervisor), 2026Student thesis: PhD
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