European Marine Board and ERA-MarineBiotech launch policy brief on marine biotechnology

A new report by the European Marine Board and the European Marine Biotechnology (MBT) ERA-NET showcases the latest scientific and technological advancements in marine biotechnology and highlights why knowledge of our marine ecosystems and biodiversity are crucial for driving future innovations.

The Policy Brief summarizes key thematic areas from the ERA-MBT Marine Biotechnology Strategic and Innovation Roadmap: Insights to the future direction of European marine biotechnology, published in 2016. This includes long-term (2020-2030) opportunities where significant scientific, technological and other challenges remain. The Policy Brief also presents examples of commercial applications of marine biotechnology, the resulting high-value products and services and examples of other European projects and initiatives that are seeking to streamline the marine biotechnology pipeline.

Globally, marine biotechnology is a powerful tool contributing to the broader bioeconomy and to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including aspects of sustainable food production systems, regulating the harvesting of marine bioresources and ending overfishing. In Europe, marine biotechnology remains a key enabler advancing Blue Growth. While products from marine biotechnology research and innovation are already widely used, the possibilities remain vast with new discoveries and diversifying applications. On 11 September, the Policy Brief was presented by Dr Steinar Bergseth (ERA-MBT Coordinator and Policy Brief co-author) at the General Assembly of the European Marine Biological Research Infrastructure Cluster (EMBRIC).

Download the Policy Brief here