MARMADE Deliverable 1.1 – Map of marine biomass sources and hotspots

Abstract

Deliverable D1.1 of the MARMADE project provides a comprehensive mapping of marine biomass sources and hotspots across Europe to support the development of circular bio-based value chains for food and feed ingredients. The deliverable focuses on two priority value chains: crustacean residues (VC1) and macroalgae/seaweeds (VC2). The analysis combines official statistics, market reports, scientific literature, stakeholder engagement and bottom-up operator mapping to identify sustainable biomass sources, their geographic distribution and seasonality, processing nodes and locations where biomass can realistically be sourced for downstream biorefinery processes. For crustacean residues, the study maps shrimp, Norway lobster and emerging crab biomass, distinguishing between production and trade flows and the actual locations where shell-rich residues are generated. For macroalgae, it assesses harvested and cultivated seaweeds, aquaculture-related green algae and biomass from the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae. The resulting mapping identifies priority biomass streams, processing hubs and sourcing hotspots that can support future MARMADE biorefinery activities. This deliverable was produced within MARMADE – MARine bioMass valorizAtion for fooD and fEed innovation, funded under Grant Agreement No. 101213231.