The seaweed resources of Portugal

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Gaspar, R (Author) Other; Pereira, L (Author) Other; Isabel Sousa Pinto (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Botanica Marina

Vol. 62

Pages: 499-525

ISSN: 0006-8055

Publisher: Walter De Gruyter

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citations

Scopus - 11 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-394

DOI: 10.1515/bot-2019-0012

Abstract (EN): Continental Portugal and its two archipelagos (Azores Islands and Madeira Islands) present a very interesting and diverse seaweed community. Its great diversity results for example from different environmental conditions such as the latitudinal gradients that affect the continental Portugal coastal shoreline in unique ways. The first Portuguese phycological studies published date from the end of the 18th century and seaweeds have been harvested to be used as fertilizer since at least the 14th century. However, Portuguese seaweeds are still a natural and valuable resource that is relatively under explored or studied, particularly regarding its economic potential. Although Portugal was one of the world's main agar producers in the past, the sustainability of its seaweed exploitation was overlooked. Contemporary awareness of this valuable resource might bring together role players such as researchers and industries towards innovative and sustainable practices (such as to make use of non-indigenous species that have been registered in the country). Nowadays, almost all Portuguese higher education institutions currently have research groups dedicated to studies related to seaweeds (ranging from ecological and environmental assessment studies to seaweed aquaculture, uses and applications). This work addresses the diversity of Portuguese seaweeds and its main economic aspects.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 27