Ecological impact
Macroalgae as a sustainable resource
“The Kattegatcenter’s mission is to provide experiences and information based on knowledge, opinions and emotions. That way we can help preserve the oceans and the life found in them.”
Ecological impacts of algae cultivation
- a learning guide
By Dag Gjetø1, Alexander Jüterbock1, David Aldridge2, Magnus Johansson1, Henning Reiss1
1 Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Universitetsalléen 11, 8026 Bodø, Norway
2 Seaweed Solutions AS, Bynesveien 50 C, 7018 Trondheim, Norway
Macroalgae are getting increasing attention in the field of aquaculture in Europe in recent years. The most obvious reason is that the aquaculture industry can see a potential for production and sale, but also for their ecosystem services, such as the ability to reduce the greenhouse gas CO2 from the atmosphere via photosynthesis, and the ability for bioremediation (see glossary), as well as in hybrid aquaculture concepts such as Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA).
Learn more by downloading: Ecological impacts of algae cultivation – a learning guide
Presentation: Climate change impact on macroalgae
How does macroalgae cultivation affect marine ecosystems?
By Dag Gjetø1, Alexander Jüterbock1, David Aldridge2 and Henning Reiss1
1 Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Universitetsalléen 11, 8026 Bodø, Norway
2 Seaweed Solutions AS, Bynesveien 50 C, 7018 Trondheim, Norway
In recent years the farming of macroalgae for commercial purposes has gained increasing attention and interest. It has been proposed as a possible solution to mitigating pollution from fish farms and agricultural runoffs, it has been suggested as an option for carbon sequestration, and as a way to meet a growing demand for algae for industrial and commercial use, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fish feed, and human consumption. This review aims to explore the environmental impacts of algal cultivation, and how it affects ecosystems. The review also questions the necessity of cultivating when contrasted to harvesting wild macroalgae (trawling), and will attempt to reflect the state of knowledge per 2022.
Learn more by downloading: How does macroalgae cultivation affect marine ecosystems?