Successful macroalgae installation by the use of a, modular and multi-purpose system at the German pilot, Baltic Sea!
By seeding two systems with juveniles of the green macroalgae Ulva, another crucial milestone has been completed at the research platform FINO2!
This growth test aims to serve as a proof of concept for the technical feasibility of the design and the biological suitability for the cultivation of algae.
The University of Gothenburg analysed the local algae strains and scaled them up for aquaculture purposes (see last post: FINO 2 Update – June 24-Ulva sampling campaign). The growth of the algae will be closely monitored within the next weeks and months. With the seeding of algae on the adapted and tested design the next level for offshore aquaculture in windparks in low salinity environments is taken.
Simultaneously, the performance the additional “nature-inclusive-design” installation was analysed. A first comprehensive interim status of this system was obtained by collecting monitoring data with an underwater camera setup. Both the macroalgae system as well as our nature inclusive design installation (See this post from May 2024: Nature-inclusive design & macroalgae system), seemingly receive much attention from the local flora and fauna.
Especially as intended from the juvenile fish populations!
The first evaluation of the data indicates the nature-inclusive-design to be a useful measure for providing ecosystem services with offshore structures like monopiles.
