Marine biotechnology: a challenging path to sustainable food, feed, energy and improved human and animal health

Varela, João; Raposo, Sara

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/13921

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Authors

Varela, João

Raposo, Sara

Abstract(s)

As life began in the oceans, the past, but also the future of the human population is intrinsically linked to marine living resources. The oceans offer a bounty of biodiversity that needs to be protected, properly managed and exploited with responsibility. Recent studies on the biodiversity of marine organisms have revealed that the tree of life is actually a web of life with multiple interactions in terms of complex networks of gene transfers, endosymbiotic events and trophic relationships. The understanding of this complexity and the evolutionary history that underlies and explains the biology, biochemistry and ecology of marine life is key to its effective exploitation to benefit human beings as a whole in a responsible manner. We will discuss knowledge-based strategies that are currently being implemented in order to use the available marine living resources as novel sources of food, feed, energy and bioactive compounds, so that a more sustainable future can be provided to future generations.