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INNOVATIONS | 53
WHEN SCIENCE TURNS ITS
ATTENTION TO ALGAE
After a session devoted to innovators and the trans-
formation of algae-based products, the final part of
the event focused on the question of how science is
guiding the development of a truly sustainable algae
industry, with clear benefits for the climate and biodi-
ECOSYSTEMS versity. Philippe Potin, a CNRS marine biologist from
AND CARBON the Roscoff marine station, discussed the various im-
SEQUESTRATION pacts of seaweed cultivation on the marine environ-
ment. The professor emphasised the "ambivalence of
(in tonnes of equivalent CO / km 2 1 500 the effects, which can be seen as positive or nega-
2
sources: Kelp Blue) à tive." This means that the supply of nutrients and the
3 000 elimination of pollutants provided by algae can also
compete with primary producers in the environment.
Similarly, the increase in sedimentation can reduce
the turbidity of the water but can modify the com-
455
350 position of the environment. However, the researcher
concludes, based on extensive field studies, "we can
1 focus on the positive effects rendered by ecosys-
tem functions in terms of nutrient supply, sediment
GRASSLAND TROPICAL FOREST KELP FARM GIANT KELP create new habitats for species and juveniles). On the
dynamics and biodiversity" (in particular, algal forests
other hand, we need to be very careful about the risk
of genetic pollution and the development of invasive
species, which requires detailed consideration of the
environmental conditions and design of the algae
farm.
Finally, Samantha Deane, Director of the Kelp Forest
“We have some very fine solutions based Foundation, stressed "the role of science in anticipa-
around algae, which meet some of the ting trends and appropriate actions." The director of
biggest challenges of our time. We need the Dutch organisation presented the scope of the
to reach out beyond our community, evaluation of the ecosystem services of wild and culti-
communicate about the benefits of vated kelp forests, such as those in the Falklands:
seaweed, and involve young people and "We measure biodiversity using environmental DNA
or passive noise", she explained, emphasising the
others... Our experiences need to be shared”. need to monitor the impact of cultivated kelp forests
Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Advisor using different techniques. If the industry wants to
to the United Nations Global Compact, scale up and ensure its long-term future, it will have to
Director of the food programme Lloyd's rely on impact studies and the support of the scienti-
Register Foundation fic community.
