RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Macroalgae and related products are pin-pointed as new business areas for possible economic growth. Cultivation of macroalgae is generally a new business in the North Atlantic, while wild harvesting of macroalgae has been a long tradition eg. in Iceland and in Norway.
The countries in the North Atlantic region have few traditions in modern time related to the use of macroalgae for consumption and in skincare/cosmetics products. Numerous newly established companies in Iceland, the Faroe Island and Norway are aiming to develop macroalgae for new culinary (food and food ingredients) and for cosmetic/skincare use.
Research is needed to develop the industry as a whole and each individual enterprise. There is on-going research on both cultivation, content of nutritional and harmful components, food safety, product development and biorefinery. For the macroalgae-based SMEs dialogue and collaboration with the R&D community will continuously and still be needed to increase the ability to capitalize on macroalgae products in a profitable way.
Norway
Research of special interest:
The Norwegian Seaweed Biorefinery Platform
The Norwegian Seaweed Biorefinery Platform shall serve as a hub for research, knowledge, methodology and stakeholder networks. The platform will aid in the regulation of macroalgae cultivation and harvesting industries, and in characterisation of macroalgae‐derived products.
Institute of Marine Research / Havforskningsinstituttet
The Institute of Marine Research has produced a report on knowledge updates on food safety in macroalgae. The present report answers to a request from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority for updates on filling of the knowledge gaps from the previous report.
Research institutions:
Iceland
Research institutions:
Marine and freshwater research institute
Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI) is a government institute under the auspices of the Ministry of Industries and Innovation. MFRI conducts various marine and freshwater research and provides the Ministry with scientific advice based on its research on marine and freshwater resources in Icelandic territories and the arctic and the environment.
Matís focuses on increasing value creation related to food production and biotechnology, and plays an important role in ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food.
IceTec is an independent, non-profit, research organisation serving as a bridge between industry and academia by providing expertise and access to technical infrastructure.
Faroe Islands
Research institutions
Fiskaaling is a limited Company, owned by the Faroese government. Fiskaaling employs provident, quality research that aims to build internationally recognized knowledge for sustainable aquaculture. This work is designed to benefit the aquaculture industry and Faroese economy, too.