Realizing the promises of marine biotechnology

doi:10.1016/S1389-0344(03)00074-1

Biomolecular Engineering

Volume 20, Issues 4–6, July 2003, Pages 429-439

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1389-0344(03)00074-1 Get rights and content

Abstract

High-quality research in the field of marine biotechnology is one of the key-factors for successful innovation in exploiting the vast diversity of marine life. However, fascinating scientific research with promising results and claims on promising potential applications (e.g. for pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, (feed-)products for aquaculture and bioremediation solutions) is not the only factor to realise the commercial applications of marine biotechnology. What else is needed to exploit the promising potential of marine biotechnology and to create new industrial possibilities? In the study project ‘Ocean Farming—Sustainable exploitation of marine organisms’, we explore the possibilities of marine organisms to fulfill needs, such as safe and healthy food, industrial (raw) materials and renewable energy in a sustainable way. One of the three design groups is envisioning the future of strong land-based ‘marine’ market chains. Marine biotechnology is one of the foci of attention in this design group. This article provides a model of future-oriented thinking in which a variety of experts actively participate.

Section snippets

Introduction: The Netherlands and the sea

The Dutch have always had an ambiguous relation with the sea. On the one hand, the Netherlands, with almost half of its surface below sea level, has always fought against the powers of the sea. On February 1, 2003 it was over 50 years since the Dutch experienced the ‘last’ huge flood disaster that killed almost 2000 people. Then it was decided to build the Delta works, a big and prestigious project of dikes and storm surge barriers. On the other hand, the Netherlands is a nation of seagoing

Exploring the future

The Netherlands Study Centre for Technology Trends (STT) is an independent organisation that explores the future for specific topics at the interface of technical scientific and societal developments. Such an exploratory study project starts from the premise that the future is shaped by decisions that are taken today. Therefore, a series of meetings is organised in which 50–70 external experts (having a stake in the topic of the specific study project) participate actively in exploring and

The design-group Aqua-Production Park: composition and challenge

In this paper, we show some of the work-in-progress of the design group Aqua-Production Park. Marine biotechnology is one of the foci of attention. The design group Aqua-Production Park is envisioning the future of strong land-based ‘marine’ market chains.

The composition of the design-group—17 experts—is characterised by:

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a relatively large number of ‘pioneering entrepreneurs’ (five): production of sea fish—sole and turbot—in recirculation systems, production of sea vegetables, macroalgae and

Results: work in progress

The experts started with their dreams about their personal ‘sustainable Aqua-Production Park’. The following discussions and exchanges resulted in a list of requirements for a sustainable Aqua-Production Park:

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The cultivation and processing of marine organisms is independent of the marine environment. The natural marine diversity is a source of inspiration for land-based production: only sea water may be used.
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Thinking about a strong market chain for marine products starts with the ‘needs of

Conclusion

The developments of growing exploitation of the sea, environmental pressure on fish stocks and on other marine species and the impeding conflict of users of the limited sea surface, require a pro-active policy. Realizing a sustainable future exploitation of the marine environment starts today. The Ocean Farming study project shows that it is possible to materialize these imaginary future visions. The design group Aqua-Production Park shows that land-based production may be a sustainable

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge all members of the design-group Aqua-Production Park: Robert Baard (AquaCultura bv), Wim van Eijk (Product board Fish), Pauline Kamermans and Andries Kamstra (Netherlands Institute of Fisheries Research), Kees Kloet (Fish Farm Yerseke), Hans Komen and René Wijffels (Wageningen University), Andries Koulman (University of Groningen), Victor de Lange (Consultancy and Research for Environmental Management), Hannemieke Luyten and Lolke Sijtsma (Agrotechnological Research

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Realizing the promises of marine biotechnology

Abstract

Section snippets

Introduction: The Netherlands and the sea

Exploring the future

The design-group Aqua-Production Park: composition and challenge

Results: work in progress

Conclusion

Acknowledgements

J. Biotechnol.

Pharmaceut. Ther.

Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol.

Aquaculture

J. Am. Chem. Soc.

J. Org. Chem.

Ann. Oncol.