The main objective of The SeaStrains workshop is to create a seaweed biobank network, The SeaStrains Working Group (WG), whose mission will be to lead the transition from decentralized, poorly documented, seaweed stock cultures to a centralized, easily accessible biobank network of genetically and phenotypically characterized seaweed strains. This transition will help promote food security and biosecurity, conserve biodiversity under the threat of climate change and prevent the extinction of local strains. The workshop will also address the need for transparent and efficient knowledge transfer between the seaweed sector stakeholders, and will discuss most effective communication streams for informing the public of the economic, societal and ecological services which can be provided by seaweeds. The SeaStrains WG will consist of experienced experts and interested stakeholders throughout Europe. In order to complete this mission, the SeaStrains WG will develop strategies and recommendations for how to sustainably develop a European-wide genetic resource center (biobank) of seaweed strains. The project is funded by the Safe Seaweed Coalition. The Safe Seaweed Coalition is a global partnership established in March 2021 to support the safety and sustainability of the seaweed industry as it scales up, along the entire seaweed value chain. The Coalition is coordinated by the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) with the support of Lloyd’s Register Foundation and the United Nations Global Compact.

The SeaStrains Workshop was held at AWI in Bremerhaven in June 2022