Marine Algae: Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Led by Prof. Dr. Mar Fernandez Mendez, the Marine Algae Ecology and Applications research group at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, within the Bioeconomy Section and in cooperation with the University of Bremen, is dedicated to unlocking the power of marine algae.

VISION:

Our vision is a healthy planet where the vast, untapped potential of marine algae is harnessed to combat climate change, restore ocean ecosystems, and build a sustainable circular blue economy for future generations.

MISSION:

Our mission is to understand how micro- and macroalgae—from microscopic phytoplankton to giant seaweeds—drive the ocean’s carbon and nutrient cycles, and to turn that knowledge into practical solutions to climate change and resource scarcity.

Our Research in Action

We work at the interface of fundamental discovery and application—on land, at sea, and with long-term industry partners. Our research spans two focus areas:

Macroalgae — Seaweed for Climate and Blue-Economy Solutions

We study how floating seaweeds can support climate mitigation and resilient oceans through:

• Advancing CO₂ removal: Quantifying uptake by fast-growing species such as floating Sargassum and evaluating durable sequestration pathways (deep export, durable products).
• Producing sustainable biofuels: Investigating seaweed-associated microbes and fermenting biomass into bioethanol as an alternative to fossil fuels.
• Scaling open-ocean aquaculture: Developing cultivation techniques and Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) tools to enable credible carbon and ecosystem accounting.
• Safeguarding biodiversity: Using molecular methods (eDNA), underwater imaging, and AI to monitor and protect marine life around farms.

Microalgae — Understanding the Ocean’s Microscopic Engine

We explore phytoplankton dynamics—the foundation of marine food webs and carbon cycling.

• Tracking climate impacts: Assessing productivity and community shifts in polar and Atlantic waters under a changing climate.
• Developing novel monitoring tools: Building methods with advanced instruments (e.g., imaging flow cytometry) and sensors for rapid, in-situ assessments.
• Following nutrient cycles: Resolving how key nutrients (e.g., silica) are processed and how this shapes biodiversity and function.
• Linking ecology to function: Uncovering feeding strategies and trophic pathways to connect community composition with carbon export.

Our Philosophy — From Discovery to Impact

We pair curiosity-driven science with practical solutions. By aligning cutting-edge research with societal needs, we aim for work that is rigorous, relevant, and impactful.