MAE: Marine resources

It is vital we utilize the marine environment in a sustainable way. Marine Animal Ecology studies how we could for instance use eco-circularity in marine resources to improve sustainability.

The utility of sponges in sustainability of marine aquaculture

Sponges have important ecological roles, one of which is functioning as a biological filter through their extensive pumping capacities. A current project focusses on combining sponge culture with sea-based fish aquaculture and urban wastewater discharge. In this way, sponge culture can help reduce eutrophication and contamination of coastal waters. Additionally, the sponges themselves can for instance be harvested for various compounds, such as in the BiogenInk project.

Incubation chamber to measure functional responses of sponges in multi-trophic mariculture systems. Photo: M. Gokalp.
Incubation chamber to measure functional responses of sponges in multi-trophic mariculture systems. Photo: M. Gokalp.

TripleP@Sea

TripleP@Sea stands for smart use of ecosystem services providing sustainable Profit of the Planet for People. Included projects are sustainable Arctic development, biodiversity of the Dutch Caribbean and Multifunctional use of platforms.

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Techniques used & Implications

To sustainably use marine resources, Marine Animal Ecology explores the potential of eco-based circularity, and uses ecophysiological experiments in the field and field monitoring. Sustainable harvesting of organisms will reduce our footprint on the earth.