Macroalgae farms can be used to remove excess nitrogen, phosphate, and trace minerals from coastal marine waters. Genera such as Asparagopsis have been highlighted through previous research as efficient biofilters of wastewater from salmon farms, in the context of Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA). Despite recent interest in Asparagopsis-derived products and the promise shown by IMTA, macroalgae cultivation is still a minor industry in Australia, with its bioremediation potential relatively untested.
Our project will use utilize previous research on the physiology of Asparagopsis and other valuable native macroalgaes genera (including Macrocystis, Ecklonia, Lessonia, Porphyra and Ulva) within an established model of macroalgae growth, to assess the bioremediation potential of these genera across a broad range of environmental conditions. The model will be calibrated and validated using data from previous field trials involving targeted species where possible. We will construct scenarios that assess how farm arrangement influences nutrient remediation efficacy, providing valuable insights for optimizing cultivation strategies including cultivation depth, harvesting frequency and seasonality, and the possibility of multiple partial harvests. We will also test the robustness of key results to changes and uncertainties in species’ parameterisation.
We will then apply the model within a wide range of environmental conditions representative of different growing regions in coastal Australian waters. This approach will allow us to identify and address challenges specific to bioremediation across different states and macroalgae genera, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the feasibility and implications of this innovative and low-impact approach to nutrient remediation. This research will not only inform practical cultivation strategies but also provide knowledge of environmental impacts and tools for future regulations and research.
Furthermore, the project serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange, engaging stakeholders from scientific, industrial, and regulatory domains. By disseminating findings and facilitating dialogue, we aim to inform policy decisions, and empower stakeholders with the knowledge needed to best support innovation in this field.
