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IHK Schleswig-Holstein
Blue bio-economy and aquaculture: intertwined with sailing
The ‘blue bio-economy’ refers to the sustainable use of marine resources for the production of food, raw materials, energy and innovative materials. Schleswig-Holstein, as a coastal and research state, plays a central role in this. But what are the links to the world of sailing?
In fact, the connection between these areas holds great potential for innovation: from sustainable catering on sailing trips to new materials and environmental education programmes for sailors.
A central theme of the blue bio-economy is the cultivation and use of macroalgae (e.g. sugar kelp, bladderwrack). Several projects are already underway in Kiel Bay and other coastal areas of Schleswig-Holstein:
• ‘Ocean-based Solutions’ (GEOMAR): Algae farms could bind CO2, filter nutrients from the water and serve as a raw material for bioplastics or feed.
• ‘Submariner Network’: This international platform promotes pilot projects in algae production and advocates for bioeconomic value chains.
Algae products offer several points of contact for sailing:
• Food: Dried algae snacks, salts or bars are space-saving, nutrient-rich and ideal for on-board catering.
• Bio-based materials: Initial trials show that algae can be used in resins, textiles and paints – with potential for sails, clothing and equipment.
• Climate protection communication: Sailing trips could become educational trips, visiting algae farms and discussing marine ecosystems.
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In addition to algae, the blue bio-economy also includes fish and shellfish farming, with a particular focus on recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and low-trophic species (e.g. mussels, oysters). Projects in Schleswig-Holstein include:
• ‘AquaPri’ in Büsum: Here, combined systems are being tested in which fish, mussels and algae are farmed together (IMTA: Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture).
• ‘AQUATOR’ research platform (Helmholtz): This platform investigates how aquaculture can be sustainably integrated into marine areas.
• Kiel marine farm: Mussels have been successfully farmed and marketed regionally in the Kiel Fjord for several years.
Here, too, the advantages for sailors are obvious:
• Regional supply: Direct marketing to marinas or at weekly markets promotes sustainable catering on board.
• Coastal tourism with added value: tours, tastings or hands-on activities at mussel farms create new attractions for tourists
A promising area of research is the development of new materials from marine resources. Examples include:
• Biopolymers from algae or crustacean shells, which could be used as a substitute for conventional plastics in boat building, packaging or textiles.
• Natural antifouling coatings, inspired by marine animals or derived from marine microorganisms, which are environmentally friendly and protect sailing boats from fouling.
Schleswig-Holstein institutes such as Kiel University of Applied Sciences, the Kiel Cluster of Excellence ‘Future Ocean’ and the network ‘Bio-economy at Marine Sites’ or start-ups associated with GEOMAR are actively working on the development of such applications.
A growing trend is the combination of sailing tourism with environmental education. In Schleswig-Holstein, there are an increasing number of offers that combine sailing with sustainable awareness:
• ‘Sailing for Future’ trips: educational trips with a focus on marine ecology, which also include visits to aquaculture and algae projects.
• Cooperation with schools and universities: marine science students accompany sailing trips, explain research on site or take samples.
The blue bio-economy is more than just a future research project – it has the potential to make sailing more sustainable, exciting and regional. Whether as a source of sustainable materials, healthy food or exciting experiences, marine resources could shape the sailing of the future – climate-friendly, knowledge-based and regionally rooted.
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