EU Life Algae: A new approach to combat macro-algae blooms

Johanna Mattila, Olof Rönnberg & Erik Bonsdorff (Husö biological station, Åbo Akademi University)

Participants: Länsstyrelsen Västra Götalands, Sweden, Ålands landskapsstyrelse, Finland, Kristineberg Marine Research Station, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, Tjärnö Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Sweden and Husö biological station, Åbo Akademi University

Objectives

The aim of the project is to demonstrate a way to reduce the negative effects of increased loads of nutrients (eutrophication) on biological diversity, fisheries and recreation by removing ephemeral macro-algae from ecologically important shallow soft-bottom areas.

The project will test, and also assess, the effects of removing algae on accumulation and availability of nutrients in the sediment. Further, the project will explore possible uses of algae as fertilisers in the rural sector and the possibility to gain renewable energy as biogas. This will be obtained by:

- developing a method to remove large quantities of ephemeral algae from coastal areas

- developing methods for alternative uses of the algae

- providing instruments to improve coastal management strategies

The project runs 1997-2000, and its total costs are about 13 milloin Swedish kronor (SEK).

Web site: http://www.o.lst.se/eulife-algae