Resolution in favour of a strong and sustainable European seaweed sector adopted

In her speech to Parliament on 11 May, she highlighted the many benefits of seaweed: for human nutrition, thanks to its nutritional properties, particularly as a complementary source of protein; as an alternative to fishmeal used in aquaculture; and in the fight against climate change, thanks to carbon sequestration, particularly through the cultivation of macro-algae. Seaweed can also help to restore marine ecosystems, and seaweed farming can enable some fishermen to diversify their activities.

But seaweed cultivation must remain sustainable, by favouring harvesting methods that have less impact on the environment and cultivating local species. Avoid seaweed monocultures, which could present health risks.

The sector must develop in a way that does not affect the balance of marine ecosystems and should avoid repeating the same environmental mistakes as those made previously on land.

The European Parliament calls on the Commission to provide adequate funding for the algae sector, to continue to encourage the promotion of algae cultivation and to facilitate the use and development of algae for food and feed, in particular by implementing faster authorisation procedures for aquaculture.

Texts adopted – Towards a strong and sustainable EU algae sector – Thursday, 11 May 2023 (europa.eu)