Dr Erik-jan Malta
Every successful bio-based innovation starts with the right raw materials. Within MARMADE, Work Package 1 lays the foundation for the entire project by ensuring that sustainable marine biomass is identified, characterised, and made available for the development of high-value food and feed ingredients.
As Work Package 1 Leader, Dr Erik-jan Malta from CTAQUA coordinates the activities related to biomass sourcing and sustainable cultivation, ensuring that the project has access to reliable, high-quality marine resources.
“Work Package 1 is at the basis of the activities of the other Work Packages. Our role is to identify the principal biomass sources, examine the regulatory framework, evaluate storage conditions, and establish a secure biomass supply chain.” Malta explains.
The work focuses on two key biomass streams, seaweeds and crustacean residues, while combining questionnaires, public databases, scientific literature, and specialised European platforms to better understand biomass availability and quality. The team is also investigating invasive species such as the brown macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae and the blue crab, alongside developing protocols to optimise biomass conservation and extraction yields.
Despite the opportunities, ensuring a stable biomass supply presents several challenges. Seasonal availability, differences in biomass quality, transport logistics, and varying regulatory interpretations across Europe all influence the consistency of marine biomass supply.
“One of the main challenges is the seasonal variation in both the availability and quality of biomass. Transport logistics and differences in regulatory interpretation between Member States also need to be carefully considered.” says Malta.
By addressing these challenges from the very beginning, Work Package 1 provides the strong foundation needed for the research and innovation activities that follow. Through sustainable biomass sourcing and collaboration across the value chain, MARMADE is helping unlock the potential of marine resources and supporting Europe’s transition towards a more circular blue bioeconomy.
