EUMOFA has recently published the third edition of the study “Blue bioeconomy report”

The report is released every two years and this edition aims to provide an updated overview of the European Union’s blue bioeconomy sector focusing on micro- and macroalgae cultivation systems, examination of potential of seaweed as blue carbon and of the sargassum seaweed as well as on whether seaweed farming can transform regional economies. Overview of latest developments of micro- and macroalgae cultivation systems: Seaweed farming and harvesting are still very small-scale in Europe – despite 36% of entries in a global seaweed industry database being in Europe, many are start-ups not yet commercially operational. Europe has vast areas suitable for seaweed and macroalgae cultivation[1];[2] , but it only accounts for less than 0,25% of global human-led seaweed production (farming + harvesting). Besides the EU hosts significant wild seaweed ecosystems that play a crucial role in the marine carbon cycle. Seaweed acts as a net sequestrator of CO2 worldwide, potentially matching levels of sequestration from tidal marshes, mangroves and seagrass ecosystems combined. Possible actions to integrate seaweed in climate policies include conservation, restoration and farming, with potential positive effects on both climate and the environment. There is a growing demand for seaweed products that producers cannot fulfill due to a variety of factors (knowledge silos, lack of data transparency, unpredictable production cycles, inefficient supply chains, complex regulatory frameworks), all of which disincentivize risk averse investors and businesses.Pelagic sargassum plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems, serving as hotspots for biodiversity and productivity in otherwise substrate poor, low-nutrient open-ocean waters. Yet the use of Sargassum around the world is limited to certain niche areas, and there is no real market for the time being. The full study is available in English.