CA20106 - TOMORROW’S ‘WHEAT OF THE SEA’: ULVA, A MODEL FOR AN INNOVATIVE MARICULTURE

Duration: 04/10/2021 - 03/10/2025

Project leaders: dr. Martina Orlando Bonaca and dr. Katja Klun

A growing interest in the development of oceanic coastal shores has arisen over the past decade, seeking alternative, sustainably produced food sources and other valuable products. We, a group of experts (95 specialists from 26 countries) pursuing their scientific and commercial interests in Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond, propose through the COST programme to improve the problems related to our aquatic diet from our coastal seas. The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST Association) is running an EU-funded program which enables researchers and innovators to set-up their own research networks in a wide range of scientific disciplines, called COST Actions. COST provides networking opportunities to its participants, allowing them to jointly address scientific, technological and societal challenges through innovative ideas and initiatives. Our initiative aims at exploiting the potential of marine seaweeds in Europe. Building on the successes of previous EU and pan-European projects on seaweeds, and due the unique characteristics of the genus Ulva (Linnaeus, 1753), we have identified these green algae as the most suitable candidate and model organism for a novel kind of European mariculture. The COST Action combines interdisciplinary approaches to the sustainable use of marine resources, encompassing all the facets of Ulva biology, ecology, aquaculture, engineering, economic and social sciences. This Action will lead to the development of advanced science, create business and job opportunities in the maritime and coastal economies, and have a significant impact on societal welfare. This COST Action fulfils the current ‘Societal Challenges Priorities’ of European Horizon 2020 strategy for food security, and its application will contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 14 (UNSDG) to conserve and sustainably exploit natural resources.

Project website: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA20106/