Marine Biotechnology: Vital Strategy for Sustainable Ocean Exploitation

In recent years, experts have begun to observe the growth of debates regarding blue biotechnology, which can be defined as the use of science and technology in living aquatic organisms to produce knowledge, goods and services. The concept is part of the discussion on the blue economy, a field that evaluates the formation of the economy based on the ocean. 

L etícia Costa Lotufo, specialist in Molecular Biology at USP’s Institute of Biomedical Sciences, explains that marine biotechnology involves microorganisms — such as microalgae, bacteria and fungi —, macroalgae and invertebrates. “In other words, an enormous biodiversity that remains practically unknown, but has very high added value and can be used in sustainable production chains, promoting economic and social development”, she says.

Biotechnology is capable of producing bioproducts based on substances present in living beings. Thus, among the different goods, there are food, feed, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, packaging, clothing and other artifacts. “The ocean stabilizes the climate, stores carbon and produces oxygen, providing countless benefits that can be used to restore and conserve marine ecosystems”, highlights Letícia. Thus, the use of marine biotechnology is a way to promote the sustainable use of the ocean. 

Impacts 

Despite its positive aspects, experts highlight that it is necessary to evaluate the impacts it can cause, therefore, some care must be taken when using it. Letícia points out that the greatest care that must be taken when evaluating the effects that marine biotechnology can have on biodiversity is related to ensuring sustainability in the production chain. 

In some previous scenarios, the use of these resources, done incorrectly, led to the near extinction of some species and the overexploitation of some products. “The collection of algae on beaches in the Northeast for exploitation by the food industry, for example, led to significant impacts on the algae populations, but also on many invertebrates and fish that use the algae bank as a nursery”, reflects Letícia. Furthermore, she highlights that it is important to ensure the participation of the local population in these environments to promote the appreciation of traditional knowledge.