Jan Jacob, M.Sc.
PhD Canditate
Dissertation Title: FROM LAB TO SEA: Exploring Ulva Reproduction and Growth-Dynamics for Open-Water Aquaculture on Gran Canaria
Master Thesis Title: Response of Key-Species of Benthic Sub-Arctic Macrophytes to Warming
Alfred Wegener Institut
Am Handelshafen 12
27570 Bremerhaven
E-1020
PhD Project Overview:
As the demand for sustainable resources grows, seaweed aquaculture is gaining recognition as a powerful nature-based solution for climate mitigation and the blue economy. The green macroalga Ulva is particularly promising due to its rapid growth, high nutritional content, and ability to absorb large amounts of carbon and nutrients from seawater. Despite this potential, current cultivation methods are often limited to nearshore environments, constraining their scalability and impact.
The INNOVA project aims to overcome these challenges by developing novel approaches for Ulva cultivation in the open ocean using floating structures made from renewable materials. At the AWI aquaculture facilities, we are testing 3D-printed and mesh-based prototypes seeded with Ulva spores under different environmental conditions to determine optimal growth strategies. These designs will then be implemented in large-scale field trials, with floating cages deployed in the North Sea and fixed barriers in Gran Canaria. Across both sites, we will monitor biomass production, carbon and nutrient uptake, and shifts in biomass composition.
By merging engineering innovation with ecological research, INNOVA will lay the groundwork for scaling seaweed aquaculture into offshore environments. Cultivated Ulva can capture carbon, reduce excess nutrients, and serve as a renewable resource for food, feed, and biobased materials. This work not only deepens our ecological understanding of Ulva but also provides new economic opportunities for the circular blue economy and sustainable climate solutions.