Raouhani Salma

Macroalgae, photosynthetic organisms, hold great biological and economic importance due to the ecological services they provide. As primary producers, they contribute to maintaining water quality and provide habitat for marine flora and fauna. Additionally, they contain bioactive compounds that impact the health of marine animals. Secondary metabolites synthesized by marine algae have demonstrated various beneficial activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Recognized by the industry as a superfood because of their nutritional value, macroalgae can be exploited as an alternative source of plant proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. In 2019, wild harvest of macroalgae reached 1.1 million tons, reflecting increasing industrial demand. However, overexploitation of wild stocks presents major ecological risks, directly threatening the industry. Efforts have been made to better manage and exploit these resources, including through cultivation methods based on vegetative fragments. The approach adopted in this project is based on spore culture aimed at optimizing the growth and production of phycocolloids by carefully selecting strains and promoting spore release from fertile thalli under appropriate conditions.

Audience Take Away Notes:

• The general public can utilize the insights into macroalgae to grasp their significance both ecologically and economically, as well as their potential as nutrient-dense superfoods. Additionally, they might contemplate integrating macroalgae into their diets to harness their nutritional attributes and bioactive elements. Moreover, professionals spanning biotechnology, nutrition, aquaculture, and the food industry could find value in macroalgae-related information. This knowledge could serve as a basis for developing novel food items, dietary supplements, or medical interventions derived from the bioactive constituents of macroalgae. Furthermore, this research on macroalgae could lay the groundwork for fellow academics and researchers across marine biology, biotechnology, nutrition, or marine pharmacology. They could expand upon these discoveries to deepen their comprehension of macroalgae's potential. The focus of this research on spore culture of macroalgae is to enhance the production efficiency of phycocolloids, which are valuable components utilized across diverse industries. Through the refinement of cultivation methods, this research aims to simplify and streamline the phycocolloid production process, offering potential benefits to designers and industry professionals operating in these sectors. By meticulously selecting macroalgae strains and facilitating optimal spore release, this research endeavors to elevate the yield and quality of phycocolloids. Moreover, by furnishing guidance on optimal macroalgae cultivation practices, this research has the potential to refine phycocolloid production processes and offer novel insights to address associated design challenges. The cultivation of macroalgae spores holds significant importance in the field of aquaculture. This practice optimizes the production of macroalgae, which are crucial both as a food source and habitat for numerous marine species. By promoting controlled growth of macroalgae from their earliest stages, spore culture provides an efficient means to ensure a steady and reliable supply of these vital organisms. Additionally, this approach allows for better control over the characteristics of the produced macroalgae, such as their size, chemical composition, and quality, thus meeting the specific needs of aquaculture and related industries. By cultivating macroalgae spores, aquaculturists can also contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems by reducing reliance on wild harvesting, which can lead to excessive pressure on natural populations. Moreover, spore culture of macroalgae offers opportunities for sustainable economic development in coastal regions, fostering job creation and stimulating commercial activities related to macroalgae production and processing. In summary, macroalgae spore culture constitutes a fundamental pillar of modern aquaculture, providing ecological and economic benefits while contributing to the sustainable management of marine resources.