Phycomorph European Guidelines for a Sustainable Aquaculture of Seaweeds (Pegasus)

Macroalgae, or seaweeds, are multicellular – usually macroscopic – plant-like organisms that generally live attached to rock or other hard substrata in coastal areas. There are about 10,000 species of algae, of which 6,500 are red algae (also named Rhodophyta), 2,000 are brown algae (Phaeophyceae), and 1500 are green algae (Chlorophyta and Charophytes). These three groups have very distinct evolutionary histories and display specific ultrastructural and biochemical features (e.g. pigments). 

Seaweeds are increasingly employed as feedstock around the world, with an annual production of 30Mt for a ~ €8B value. Seaweeds are thus a promising bioresource for the future and demands for high-value seaweed-derived compounds (cosmetics, food) are on the rise in Europe. However, the production of Europe lags behind that of Asian countries despite its large exclusive economic zone, its high seaweed biodiversity and its international leadership in fundamental research on macroalgae.

Drawing on our long-term experience in plant production and domestication in general, as well as on current knowledge of European and worldwide marine ecology, climate and trade, we explore the reasons for this lag, and offer recommendations for improving seaweed cultivation and harvest.

Based on a detailed analysis of current seaweed aquaculture practices, regulations, health benefits and consumer demands, these guidelines aim to foster sustainability and protection of the marine environment. These guidelines also include expert opinions and assessments from the academic, private and associative sectors, based mainly in Europe, but also on other continents. With this wide scope and using a field-based and scientific approach, we have aimed to produce a robust prospective reference document to support policy-makers and the elaboration of future European regulations.