Looking back at the finished AlgaeDemo project

The final conference of the AlgaeDemo project took place on 21 April 2022. This project investigated the feasibility of large-scale seaweed cultivation in the North Sea. After an explanation of the project’s main conclusions, a visit was paid to the cultivation site.
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26 April 2022
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In the search for healthier food and alternative food sources, seaweed is often put forward as a potential solution. But is large-scale seaweed cultivation feasible in the North Sea? The AlgaeDemo project provided an answer to this question.

In the AlgaeDemo project, the Dutch Seaweed Group (DSG), Sioen Industries and TNO developed a 1-hectare seaweed farm in the Eastern Scheldt with advanced technology. The project was conceived in 2017 during the Seagriculture conference.

After a difficult start and thanks to the perseverance of the partners, the project will come to an end this year, but not the cultivation of seaweed (sugar kelp and wakame). On the contrary, the future was discussed during the final conference in Neeltje Jans on 21 April.

Opportunities for technology

The AlgaeDemo site is located in Schelphoek, a protected nature reserve in the Netherlands. This makes knowledge and monitoring of the negative and positive impact on the environment essential.

TNO calculated that a 1-ha sea farm absorbs 500 kg of nitrogen, 24 kg of phosphorus and 20 tonnes of CO2. Using underwater drones, the quality of the water, infrastructure, seabed and seaweed was remotely monitored.

Unfortunately, the drones’ cost and size are not always compatible with the aquaculture business case. Developers such as Aquatic Drones are therefore concentrating on miniaturisation and further price reductions.

TNO is working on a white paper on opportunities and innovation needs for drone technology. Sioen is looking into the development of biodegradable 1D and 2D substrates with a functional life of 2-3 years, so leftovers cannot harm the environment.

Visit to the AlgaeDemo site

Europe steps up efforts for aquaculture

Europe has approximately 200 (micro- and macro-)algae production sites. Although shellfish production has increased in recent years, Europe is only responsible for 3.8% of the global supply. The European Commission aims to catch up by rolling out initiatives that support entrepreneurs in the aquaculture sector and promote the consumption of ‘blue foods’.

To this end, new services are in the pipeline in addition to well-known funding programmes such as BlueInvest, Horizon Europe and the BlueBio COFUND. The EU4Algae platform, for example, serves to connect actors in the sector, whilst the Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism will compile all information on funding and projects.

Belgium as a frontrunner

Belgian Minister of the North Sea Vincent Van Quickenborne has commissioned a vision project on aquaculture in the Belgian part of the North Sea. This will be followed by scientific research into the most suitable locations for aquaculture in the Belgian part of the North Sea, including for seaweed cultivation.

This research can then be used in the drafting of the next marine spatial plan. Blue Cluster will put its weight behind this project. However, the government emphasises that multiple use is one of the three core principles in marine spatial planning.

In any case, for the development of the Princess Elisabeth Zone, it will be examined whether multiple use will be included as a scoring criterion in the tendering process.

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