Algae: new Commission study explores their bright future

Building a sustainable society means changing how we produce and consume, especially when faced with challenges like food security, water pollution, and climate change. Both macro- and microalgae can help to tackle these issues. The European Commission's new Study to support a Sustainable EU Algae Industryshows how.

The study explores algae's potential to:

• Replace fish-based feed with algae-based feed in aquaculture
• Produce biofertilisers and biostimulants
• Clean wastewater
• Help mitigate climate change
• Support sustainable food and feed systems.

Inside the study: a sneak peek

According to the study, all algae species can be used to make biofertilisers and plant biostimulants because they contain natural compounds that boost crop growth. Using algae-based fertilisers can reduce the loss of nutrients from the soil caused by water movements and the risk of eutrophication (the overgrowth of algae due to the over-enrichment of water bodies with minerals and nutrients), while as bio-stimulants, they improve plant health.

Algae also play a major role in climate change mitigation. Seaweed forests in EU waters cover about 902,000 km² and could capture up to 23.5 million tonnes of carbon each year - equivalent to 86 million tonnes of CO₂. But these natural ecosystems are shrinking due to climate change, eutrophication, habitat loss, and invasive species. Expanding seaweed farming can help. For example, 10,000 km² of seaweed farms (an area slightly larger than Cyprus) could store up to 1.1 million tonnes of carbon per year (about 4 million tonnes CO₂). The estimated economic value of absorbing and storing this amount of carbon (sequestration) could reach €17.4 billion in avoided societal damages per year. A win-win solution for the climate and a sustainable blue economy.

Finally, incorporating algae in aquaculture feed offers a promising alternative to wild-caught fish ingredients. Algae-based feeds are a sustainable alternative to fishoil. They perform as well as traditional feeds, reduce pressure on wild fish, and help keeping marine ecosystems healthier. They also improve fish quality, make seafood safer by lowering contaminants, and ensure more stable and reliable feed supplies.

Challenges are still at sight

The algae sector still has challenges to overcome: production is expensive, there isn't enough data for some applications, production volumes remain low, and more research is needed. More algae farming is also needed. Today, about 130,000 tonnes of algae are harvested from the wild each year, and 132,700 tonnes are collected from beaches in 12 EU countries. But much more is available-up to 1.17 million tonnes of beach-cast algae every year.

The study offers detailed recommendations on how to expand algae production and use.

This is a path already set by the European Ocean Pact and reinforced by the study's actionable knowledge. By showing how algae contribute to climate action, circular resource use, and biodiversity, it underlines their role in creating a sustainable and innovative blue economy.

Study to support an EU sustainable algae industry

Executive summary

Factsheet

EU Algae initiative