Algaplus

The Algaplus marine macroalgae cultivation system developed in 2012 by the biologist team Helena Abreu and Rui Pereira is a pioneer in Europe. It includes a maternity ward for the porphyra and the production of seven species of native algae off our coast covered by the Integrated Mutitrophic Aquaculture.

The visit begins in the laboratory of Algaplus, a company resulting from the research project - and doctorate - by Helena Abreu and Rui Pereira, started in 2012, in an area of ​​600 m2. The microscopes placed on the workbench are used for “checking the leaves and spores of algae, to see if there is something that is contaminating the waters”, explains the hostess, who, meanwhile, witnessed the growth of her Algaplus which, since March 2018, has been responsible for the exploration of the property of 14 hectares located in an area of ​​the Natura 2000 Network of Ria de Aveiro, in the municipality of Ílhavo.

This laboratory space is contiguous to the maternity hospital, where the porphyra dioica and umbilicalis or Atlantic Nori, a name due to its similarity to Japanese nori - develops. The first experiment dates back to 2013. Since then, they have been working on this species of seaweed, respecting its evolution cycle through the climatic conditions appropriate to each phase. After maternity, these algae are transferred to tanks, located outside and covered by screens, to avoid direct sunlight.
This is just one of the seven seaweed on this company's list. Sea lettuce (Ulva rigida), Irish moss (Chondrus crispus), dulse (Palmaria palmata), Slender Wart Weed or “ogonori” (Gracilaria gracilis), bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) and spongeweed (Codium tomentosum) are the other species that are part of the Algaplus portfolio. All of them are native to the Atlantic coast and are therefore perfectly adapted to the climatic conditions and the water in the tanks where they are found, which is naturally renewed through the tidal cycles.

The old salt marshes in the Ria de Aveiro are, in turn, used for the Integrated Mutitrophic Aquaculture - integrated cultivation of several species from different levels of the food chain that interact in the same production site. In other words, the fishing activity started in September 2018, focuses on sea bass and goldfish farming in organic production, a production system that enhances the increase of nutrients in the water used in the production of algae, a sustainable measure. By filtering nutrients in the water, the algae contribute to the renewal of the water cycle, which, upon returning to the Ria de Aveiro.

The purpose of this work? To make available on the food and cosmetic market ingredients and marine products with organic certification produced through a sustainable and innovative production system. This product is divided into three brands that are part of the Algaplus portfolio: ALGA+, consisting of algae sold in bulk and different formats; Tok de Mar, aimed at retailing seaweed-based food products and catering with bio certification (whole and fresh dried seaweed preserved in salt, canned sardine with seaweed, traditional sea salt and fleur de sel with seaweed flakes); and Sea Originals, indicated for wellness products, SPAs and hotel units. The products aimed at chefs are available for sale in organic products stores, among other retail points and directly at Algaplus.