Environmental Benefits of Seaweed Farming
This is a suggestion for a Degree Project for Bachelor's and Master's levels at the Department of Marine Sciences. Degree projects at the Department of Marine Sciences are done independently and must be written and assessed individually.
Subject: Marine Chemistry
Level: Master or Bachelor
Supervisor: Dr. Gloria Reithmaier
Project description
Seaweed farming is emerging as a sustainable food source and a potential nature-based solution to climate change. This project will explore how seaweed farms contribute to carbon sequestration and mitigate ocean acidification.
Fieldwork will take place at the Otterön seaweed farm near Fjällbacka, Sweden, focusing on sugar kelp, sea lettuce, and a control site. Seasonal sampling (March and May 2026) will include carbonate chemistry (DIC, DOC, POC, CO₂) and environmental parameters.
Students will gain hands-on experience in marine fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data evaluation, including skills in carbonate chemistry and statistical treatment of environmental data. Accommodation is available at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory during the campaigns.
The project is suitable for Master or Bachelor students interested in marine biology, environmental chemistry, or related fields, and offers the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research on sustainable aquaculture and nature-based climate solutions.
Contact person
Dr. Gloria Reithmaier
Email: gloria.reithmaier@gu.se