Valorização económica da alga invasora Rugulopteryx okamurae utilizando uma abordagem de circularidade

Rugulopteryx okamurae is considered an invasive seaweed that established itself in the southern Portuguese coast and in the Azores since 2019 causing an important impact in fisheries and tourism activities. This alga has already been included on the list of "invasive alien species (IAS)". It proliferates quickly and changes profoundly the coastal habitat in the areas where it establishes itself. As strategy it generates secondary metabolites that inhibit the growth of its most direct competitors for space occupation, whether algae and/or other benthic organisms. Its bitter taste deters possible natural herbivores. To survive in new habitats, it increases the production of defenses against generalist herbivores such as digestibility reducers and/or toxins (shifting defense hypothesis)8. These defenses may differ from the ones produced in the local where it is native and have specialist enemies (Enemy Release Hypothesis)8. Fishing industry demands a solution to control IAS growth area since the alga becomes entangled in the nets, ropes and hooks, significantly reducing their fishing efficiency while municipalities struggle to clean beaches before holiday’s seasons. It is thus important to find added-value applications for this seaweed to stimulate harvest and transformation and simultaneously promote control of this algae population. Objectives addressing important technological challenges: • Develop a cascade fractionation of Rugulopteryx using alternative techniques and compare the yield of extraction, purity and functional properties of the extracts with a conventional fractionation of this macroalga. Conclude about the economic and technical feasibility of using new cutting-edge technologies for this objective; • Conclude on the potential application of the newly obtained Rugulopteryx extracts in the medical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical areas based on the bioactivity assessment; • Valorise Rugulopteryx okamurae as a source of protein-ingredients (seaweed protein and single cell protein – SCP) for aquafeed and as feedstock for the manufacture of bioplastics. Objectives towards results dissemination: Disseminate project results to the scientific community, public and the macroalgal sector by highlighting their technical and social impacts. Objectives towards important societal challenges: Change the negative perception around the presence of invasive species and in particular with the establishment of Rugulopterix. New species might be a source of new biomolecules, opportunities and income for the local populations and local industry through controlled harvest practices and further transformation activities.