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Seaweed Research

There has been an extensive history of seaweed research at Queen's University Marine Laboratory with projects including the sustainable harvesting of Ascophyllum nodosum and cultivation of Palmaria palmata, among many others, dating back to the late 1970s. With influential phycologists such as Prof. Matt Dring and Prof. Chris Maggs paving the way for many others to follow, we are still conducting seaweed research nearly 50 years later.

Find out more about the history of seaweed research at QML here

Today, we are currently undertaking a multidisciplinary cross-border research project called SeaFEED which focuses on the sustainable cultivation of local fucoid species and the utilisation of their bioactive compounds for improving agricultural practices.

Our seaweed projects are conducted using our macroalgal nursery facility and coastal test site in Strangford Lough. Producing seaweed biomass for research projects is one of our specialties. See how we do it using the following links Creating macroalgal cultures, Transfer to longlines and onward growth

If you are interested in our work, have any queries, or would like to get involved, send an email to the Seaweed Research Group: seaweed@qub.ac.uk

Seaweed Research Group contacts: Emma Healey (Head Technician), Dr Pamela Walsh, Dr Mánus Cunningham

Our colleague, Dr Louise Kregting, who worked on seaweed related projects here in QML for the last decade or more has recently returned to New Zealand to work for the Plant and Food Research Institute, Nelson. Louise still maintains an advisory role on multiple projects at QML. You can contact Louise through her new website here!

 

Saccharina Latissima, Sugar kelp growing at the QML Longline site in Strangford Lough