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Commercial production of kelp species is already established on a small scale in the Nordic and Arctic region, and the industry is expected to expand substantially during the coming few years.  To ensure a sustainable macroalgal production with a minimal impact on the surrounding environment and high-quality biomass output, good cultivation practices need to be developed. The proposed project, ASuReMacro, aims to build the knowledge foundation to develop a sustainable and resilient macroalgal cultivation industry in the Nordic and Arctic region. ASuReMacro will, through collaboration with the Norwegian KELPPRO project, define which parameters should be included in a baseline studies programme for creating the base for monitoring and environmental assessments to adjust and maintain a sustainable and resilient macroalgal cultivation in Faroese fjords.  ASuReMacro also aims to develop an implementation plan for the baseline studies programme.

Conclusions:

Therefore, it is recommended that efforts in the Faroe Islands should be made towards mapping the biodiversity of the natural seaweed communities and in understanding the population genetics of the seaweed species most suitable for farming, to be able to detect potential changes to natural communities over time. This is an important step towards safeguarding the natural genetic pool and diversity of Faroe Island habitats and for ensuring long-term ecosystem resilience. Given the irreversible risk posed by the possible introduction of alien species and the potential for genetic contaminations, establishing a baseline is crucial for long-term sustainable seaweed cultivation. It is essential to implement such a program before embarking on large-scale seaweed cultivation to prevent potential alteration of the natural biodiversity.

Contact: Birgitta Andreasen