CETMAR welcomes researchers from the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica for an exchange of experiences on the analysis, treatment and valorisation of sargassum
- The visitors, who will be here from 11th to 15th May, will receive training at the ANFACO-CYTMA facilities and laboratories on analytical techniques and laboratory tests for the characterisation and extraction of this seaweed, as well as studies into the functional properties of biomass extracts
- The programme, drawn up by the International Cooperation Department of CETMAR, includes visits to the Campelo fish market and to a company specialising in the valorisation of seaweed for agriculture
The Centro Tecnolóxico do Mar has organised an exchange of experiences between researchers from the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Galicia (Spain), from 11th to 15th May focused on protocols, valorisation mechanisms and analysis of Sargassum.
The visit is taking place within the framework of the PreMiSa project — “Mechanisms for the Prevention and Mitigation of Sargassum Strandings in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic through the Strengthening of Governance and Research” — funded by the Regional Programme for the Environment and Climate Change of Spanish Cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARAUCLIMA), coordinated by the Center for Research in Marine Sciences and Limnology of the University of Costa Rica (CIMAR). CETMAR plays its role as a specialist consultant for the implementation of activities in Galicia (Spain) and technological innovation.
The project enables the exchange of experiences between researchers from the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Galicia (Spain) to establish protocols and mechanisms for the valorisation and analysis of Sargassum, particularly focused on the study of bioactive molecules and heavy metals.
The training will take place at the ANFACO-CYTMA facilities and laboratories in Vigo, where the five researchers (two from the CIMAR at the University of Costa Rica, two from the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo and one from the company SOS Carbón in the Dominican Republic) will learn analytical techniques and laboratory testing for the extraction and characterisation of sargassum and the study of the functional properties of biomass extracts. They will also know some successful algae-based projects.
Staff from CETMAR, responsible for organising the schedule, will accompany the researchers during their stay. In addition to the training, visits are planned to the Campelo fish market and to seaweed processing companies. There will also be a discussion with members of the NuFoG research group at the University of Vigo, who will present their work in the field of seaweed. The stay will conclude with a visit to the headquarters of the Centro Tecnolóxico do Mar in Vigo, where they will be welcomed by the managing director, Rosa Chapela.
