Blue Bio Boost – Boosting seaweed farming through better utilization of genetic resources
Short description
The project will investigate the genetic variation of the seaweed Ulva and how this variation can be used in the development of seaweed farms. There are a total of 20 unique species and subspecies of Ulva along Sweden's coasts alone, and three of them are invasive.
The scientific objectives include improving propagation efficiency and genotype selection, better utilizing genetic variation while maintaining local diversity, and actively engaging stakeholders in formulating a plan for the sustainable future of macroalgae breeding in Europe.
The project will outline a comprehensive breeding programme involving the monitoring of genetic changes and the implementation of methods to prevent hybridization with natural populations, ensuring the health of marine ecosystems.
”BlueBioBoost -Boosting seaweed farming through better utilization of genetic resources” is part of the EU Partnership for a Sustainable Blue Economy and is funded by Formas in Sweden.
Project partners
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg - Sweden,
- NMBU - Norway, Seaweed Solutions AS - Norway,
- SINTEF Ocean AS - Norway,
- NordicSeafarm - Sweden,
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO) - Belgium,
- Irish Seaweed Consultancy Ltd. - Ireland,
- Marine Institute, Oranmore - Ireland
Granted funds
Total € 1.4 Million, of which SEK 3.4 Million goes to the University of Gothenburg.