Latvian scientists work on developing green seaweed

Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the development of marine coastal areas as a source of alternative, sustainable food production. A group of experts (105 specialists from 28 countries) pursuing these scientific and commercial interests in Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond, propose to modernize it. The University of Latvia’s Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology in this COST Action is represented by researcher Karīna Bāliņa (PhD).

The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Association supports an EU-funded program that enables researchers and innovators to set up a collaborative research network across a wide range of scientific disciplines. The COST funding organization supports actions that provide networking opportunities to their participants, allowing them to jointly address scientific, technological, and societal challenges through innovative ideas and initiatives. The network aims to exploit the potential of marine seaweed in Europe. 

Building on the successes of previous EU and pan-European seaweed projects, and due to the unique characteristics of the green seaweed Ulva (commonly known as ‘sea lettuce’), the group of experts has identified these algae as the most suitable candidates and model organisms for a novel kind of European mariculture.

Species of Ulva have been extensively analyzed for their value as food, feed, food ingredients (e.g., protein, carbohydrates, pigments, and antioxidants), chemical constituents, and medicinal properties. In mariculture, Ulva can be cultured in either land- or sea-based facilities. Ulva can produce more biomass per square meter than land plants (25-40 tonnes dry weight per hectare per year, compared to 2.1, 4.1, and 5.1 tonnes for soybean, wheat, and maize respectively). In addition, Ulva provides a fundamental ecosystem service as an ecological biofilter, supporting the sustainability of the ever-growing industry of land- and sea-based fish farming, and preventing eutrophication in coastal waters.

The SeaWheat COST Action combines interdisciplinary approaches to the sustainable use of marine resources, encompassing all facets of Ulva biology, ecology, aquaculture, engineering, as well as economic and social sciences. This action will lead to the development of advanced science and technology, create business and employment opportunities in the maritime and coastal economies, and have a significant impact on societal welfare. 

This COST Action fulfills the current ‘Societal Challenges Priorities’ of the European Horizon 2020 strategy for food security, and its implementation will contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 14 (UNSDG) for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of natural resources.

Source: labsoflatvia.com