Welcome to our Q&A series, where our expert team answers essential questions about EX-AQUA’s pivotal role in enhancing regional and scientific impact. Discover how the project advances excellence and competitiveness in marine algae aquaculture, supporting a sustainable Black Sea, bridging regional disparities, and contributing to the Blue Economy and the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Today, we speak with Oana Marin, researcher from the National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa (NIMRD).
How do you believe EX-AQUA will shape the future of marine algae aquaculture in the Black Sea region?
“The project will establish the foundations of marine algae aquaculture along the Romanian coast and will allow an alignment with European standards where this sector is well developed. As there is already a local interest in the valorisation of algae, the experience of EX-AQUA project will create future scientific partnerships and collaborations with various economic entities. The project will help to highlight the importance of macroalgae (seaweeds) along with the services, goods and benefits provided by these species, despite the local general perception that seaweeds are only an inconvenience for touristic activities.”
Why do you consider knowledge transfer between EU Western institutions and NIMRD valuable for the Black Sea region?
“Field visits to different EU Western institutions will allow exchanging ideas and the opportunity to see and discuss based on the on-going aquaculture experiments. Knowledge transfer is important, certain problems can be anticipated and thus avoided, and the most successful practices from EU Western institutions can also be implemented in the Black Sea.”
In your view, what makes EX-AQUA a timely and necessary project in today’s environmental context?
“EX-AQUA is the first NIMRD on-going project addressing large-scale cultivation of algae and the possibility of a subsequent valorisation in various economic sectors. Considering the local market demand and interest, gaining new knowledge will enable the development of specific technologies for cultivating macroalgae (seaweeds) in the Black Sea conditions and finally the transfer to stakeholders. Obtaining products from algal biomass is the ultimate goal, but also a need under the current situation.”
From NIMRD’s perspective, what is the most significant aspect of the EX-AQUA project?
“One of the most important EX-AQUA pillars is the one addressing the excellence in marine algae aquaculture. Large-scale cultivation of algae will open a new direction in Romanian marine research and will allow NIMRD to be the initiator of this new path. Fostering marine algae aquaculture along the Black Sea coast will provide in the future multiple benefits to society.”
Stay tuned as we continue exploring the groundbreaking work of the EX-AQUA project in upcoming articles. For the latest updates and insights, follow us on LinkedIn, visit our website, and subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with our journey advancing marine algae aquaculture in the Black Sea region.
