ULVA: Tomorrow's "Wheat of the sea", a model for an innovative mariculture

A growing interest in the development of oceanic coastal shores has arisen over past decade, seeking alternative sustainable food sources and other valuable products. Our initiative aims at exploiting potential marine seaweeds Europe. Building on successes previous EU pan-European projects seaweeds, due unique characteristics genus Ulva (Linnaeus, 1753), we have identified these green algae as most suitable candidate model organism for a novel kind European mariculture. Much knowledge Ulva, generated diverse scientific disciplines different communities, is not easily comparable nor it shared among scientists, stakeholders, end users public. This COST Action, "SeaWheat" (CA20106—TOMORROW'S 'WHEAT OF THE SEA': ULVA, MODEL FOR AN INNOVATIVE MARICULTURE), proposes an innovative conceptual pathway to address issues, significantly improving biology promising spp., capitalising their economic potential, exploring commercial applications human food, animal feed, pharmaceutical industries ecosystem service. The Action combines interdisciplinary approaches use resources, encompassing all facets biology, ecology, aquaculture, engineering, social sciences. will lead advanced science, create business job opportunities maritime economies, significant impact societal welfare. fulfils current ‘Societal Challenges Priorities’ Horizon 2020 strategy security, its application contribute UN Sustainable Development Goals 14 (UNSDG) conserve sustainably exploit natural resources.