[ EVENTS ] Sharing insights on a burgeoning industry at Seagriculture 2021
The promise of seaweed It’s not enough that seaweed helps produce 50%–70% of the world’s oxygen. The various species of seaweed (72,500 known species and an unknown number of undiscovered species) can be used to produce food for humans, feed for animals and fish, pharmaceuticals, bioplastics, fertilisers, biofuels, and much more. Seaweed protects and regenerates ocean ecosystems, not to mention decarbonising the atmosphere. Yet, so far, seaweed’s potential has been largely overlooked.
A
t the 10th edition of the Seagriculture Conference, held 15–16 September 2021, more than 25 speakers from 11 countries focused on the technical aspects of wild seaweed harvesting, farming, and production, as well as related aspects such as ecosystems,
marketing, supply chain, sustainability, and future developments. The conference, attended online by more than 180 participants from 27 countries, gave entrepreneurs and academics the opportunity to showcase their services, products, and research.
The conference especially underlined the innovative character of today’s seaweed industry. Felix Leinemann, DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, presented the “European Union—Seagriculture Algae Innovation Award” to Taiwan (gold), Spain (silver),
and Malaysia (bronze). Sixteen innovations were submitted from around the world, 40 of which were submitted from Europe. By funding the Seagriculture Innovation Awards, the European Commission highlighted its commitment to the expansion
THE WORLD OF AQUACULTURE
profiwork SalmoFix ... made by professionals for professionals! 05_NEWS EV.indd 17
www.fiap.com 24/11/21 10:39 AM
