Blue biotechnology examines diverse marine species and seeks to find opportunities to use them in the development of new products, such as chemicals, food products, wellbeing products (e.g. food supplements and cosmetics), pharmaceuticals and energy sources.
With regard to marine biomasses, biotechnology makes it possible to use less valuable fish, fish farming side streams, microalgae, macroalgae, mussels and common reed, for example. Blue biotechnology is based on the technological use of biomasses and a high level of added value. Blue biotechnology can also be used to improve the state of the marine environment by removing nutrients from the sea with biomass.
Blue biotechnology is a new and emerging sector. Sufficient resources for research, innovation and the development of operating methods are prerequisites for growth in the sector. Blue biotechnology is closely linked to other sectors, such as fishing and aquaculture, and cooperation between various operators creates favourable conditions for the further development of the sector. The development of the sector calls for infrastructure investments, such as investments in new processing plants for using the side streams of fishing.
In marine areas, operations related to blue biotechnology can be located in conjunction with aquaculture plants and fishing operations, for example. Effective infrastructure in marine areas and between the sea and the mainland – such as the location of biomass production and collection areas, logistics routes, unloading sites and further processing facilities – creates favourable conditions for operations.