Seaweed Farming as a Feedstock for the Bioeconomy
Seaweed Farming at the lowest trophic level, using only sunlight and nutrients from the sea and taking up CO2, contribute significantly to meet the demand for Human Food, Animal Feed, Biofertilizers, Phycocolloids, Chemicals, Bioplastics, and Pharmaceuticals products.
Through a new Bioeconomy based on Seaweed Farming, we will establish a future feedstock bypassing the competition with land-based agricultural resources.
This blue bioeconomy will strengthen the nations as a suppliers of Seaweeds. Three priority areas must be focused:
• PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
• PRODUCT (DEVELOPMENT)
• BIORREFINERY
• MARKET
Developed projects
Brazil
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Pioneered the introduction and commercial cultivation of the macro seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii in Brazil.
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Led a seaweed farming project in Ilha Grande Bay, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as an independent initiative.
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Provided comprehensive technical consultancy in seaweed farming for Algas Bras Company, Sete Ondas Biomar Company, GDK Company, Bahia Pesca Company, SEBRAE, and EPAGRI in Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, Brazil.
Equador
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Provided technical consultancy in seaweed farming for FENACOPEC Cooperative and LOBELIA Company in Ecuador.
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Implemented a seaweed farming project at Santa Priscila Company (Shrimp Farm) and FUZU Company (Shrimp Farm) in Ecuador.
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Led a seaweed farming project at ECUAALGAS Company in Ecuador.
Chile
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Pesquera San Jorge Seaweed Farming Company - Atacama Desert – Chile.
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Algas Farah Seaweed Farming Company - Atacama Desert – Chile.
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Team Member of Dr. Bernabé Santelices and Dra.Alicia Hoffmann in research program of Seaweed Cultivation
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University Catolica of Chile.
Morocco
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Technical Consultancy in Seaweed Farming (AtseaNova) - Morocco.
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Technical Consultancy in Seaweed Farming (The Seaweed Company) - Morocco.
Zanzibar
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Technical Consultancy in Seaweed Farming - Selt Marine Group Zanzibar - Zanzibar.
Oman
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Technical Consultancy in Seaweed Farming - Selt Marine Group - Sultanate of Oman.
Mozambique
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Technical Consultancy in Seaweed Farming - Selt Marine Group Mozambique - Mozambique.
Tunisia
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Technical Consultancy in Seaweed Farming - Selt Marine Group - Tunisia.
Services
Market Analysis
Product Development
Seaweed Consulting can provide in-depth analysis of the seaweed market, including trends, key players, and opportunities for growth. This service can help companies understand the current state of the market and make informed decisions about their own strategies.
Seaweed Consulting can help companies develop new seaweed-based products, from conceptualization to market launch. This service can include support with product formulation, ingredient sourcing, and production process optimization.
Supply Chain Management
Regulatory Support
Seaweed Consulting can assist companies with optimizing their seaweed supply chain, from sourcing seaweed to delivering finished products to customers. This service can include help with procurement, logistics, and quality control.
Seaweed Consulting can provide support with navigating the regulatory landscape for seaweed-based products, including help with product labeling, safety testing, and certifications.
Environmental and Social Aspects
The Seaweed Farming is a habitat of a wide variety of invertebrates , mollusk and fish, providing high productivity and biodiversity (Creation of new ecological niches);
They are used as spawning areas, larval settlement, because they are organisms are photo synthesizers, they use sunlight transforming it into chemical energy, releasing oxygen to important marine animals.
Seaweed farming is an alternative economic activity that reduces fishing pressure inshore as more people become involved in farming.
1
Human Food
Seaweeds are a nutritious food source, consumed in many cultures, particularly in Asia. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and low in calories.
2
Animal Feed
Seaweeds are used as feed for livestock, providing essential nutrients and improving animal health and growth.
3
Phycocolloids
Seaweed extracts are used as thickening agents in food and cosmetics, improving texture and stability.
Seaweed and their uses
4
Biofertilizers
Seaweed biofertilizers are used to improve soil health and increase crop yields. They are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than synthetic fertilizers.
5
Pharmaceuticals
Seaweeds have medicinal properties and are being studied for their potential to treat various health conditions. They are a source of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.
6
Cosmetics
Seaweeds are a nutritious food source, consumed in many cultures, particularly in Asia. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and low in calories.
Professional Biography
Miguel Sepulveda
Brazilian, Marine Biologist and postgraduate at University Federal Fluminense (Rio de Janeiro – Brazil) and specialist in Seaweed Farming.
He has developed several projects of Seaweed Farming (Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Caribbean ,Mozambique, Zanzibar, Tunisia, Morocco) etc.
Working also as Consultant Seaweed Resources and their uses for Industry.
Has published many papers about Seaweed Farming and developed several governmental projects in many countries implementing Seaweed Mariculture programs for fishing communities and private companies.
