Sustainably harvested and productive ocean
Introduction
By 2050, the global population is projected to exceed 9.7 billion, significantly increasing the demand for food. To meet these needs, a larger share of global caloric intake must come from seafood. However, the sustainability of harvesting from the sea is already under serious threat. For example, nearly 40% of marine fish stocks were being fished at biologically unsustainable levels as of 2021. Additional challenges include climate change, ocean acidification and increasing human activities that can all lead to further degradation of the marine environment.
This pressing challenge demands innovative solutions that balance the need to protect marine ecosystems while increasing seafood production through sustainable practices. These solutions include the development of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), on-land cultivation and general optimization of cultivation techniques. Together, these approaches can provide high-quality protein, essential nutrients, and ecological services such as carbon sequestration, all while minimizing environmental impact.
Research projects
Discover how we’re advancing innovative solutions for marine sustainability:
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Sustainable seafood process water recycling
Utilizing macroalgae and microalgae to transform nutrient-rich wastewater from seafood processing into resources for sustainable aquaculture. -
Tailoring Ulva for IMTA applications
Developing heat-tolerant Ulva strains to enhance integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems and minimize environmental impact. -
Improving heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae
Advancing the production of the essential fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) through adaptive evolution and cost-effective cultivation techniques, utilizing alternative carbon sources such as acetate. -
Polyploidization and hybridization of microalgae for yield enhancement
Investigating breeding methods to improve the productivity and resilience of microalgae, with applications in food, feed, feedstock and biofuel production.
We welcome collaborations with industry and academic partners, not only to advance these projects, but also to explore other initiatives within the Sustainably Harvested and Productive Ocean domain
Contact
Dr. Jonas De Saeger
Post-doctoral researcher
Dr. Hojun Lee
Post-doctoral researcher