The Management of Eutrophicated Waters
69
ment would require 20 years. Ulva methanization has been carried out at
the Centre d'Etude et de Valorisation des Algues at Pleubian, Brittany.
Pollution abatement is, however, the primary aim. Laminaria has been
methanized as part of an integrated economy concept on Sein Island
(Brittanyi; Morand et al. 1990).
The higher productivity potential of seaweeds over land plants may
encourage their use for, e.g., pollution abatement and energy generation.
However, this, by itself, will not "solve" eutrophication problems as
different kinds of seaweed have different economic advantages (caloric
content, conversion efficiency, maximum yield). Undoubtedly, methanization is a reasonable choice under certain conditions, such as the right
location, scale effect, and existence of an environmental problem. Any
project should however, first define optimum choice for algae utilization,
and reduce possibilities of setbacks.
The approach to gas production differs on each side of the Atlantic.
Seaweed proliferation in Europe and pollution abatement, have prevailed
over concerns with productivity and nutrient provision. Ecological and
economic climates will determine whether research, with adequate fmancial backing, will be carried out or not.
Utilization of algal material in human food, though valued at more
than % 700 million per year in Asia, is hampered by legal problems in
Europe. In France, only Laminaria digitata is being utilized for a trial
period. In Belgium, though somewhat less stringent, legislation is very
specific (Charlier 1992).
In most countries throughout the world, the market for algae runs
into technological, financial, commercial and even ecological constraints, though none of them are impossible to overcome.
2.7 Comprehensive Management
Solving the eutrophication problem is an undertaking currently handled
on a local, or at best regional level. Now that eutrophication problems
have been recurrent for several decades and are spreading steadily to
more geographical areas, action on a larger scale appears indicated. It
can hardly be delayed. In fact, an approach similar to that recommended
for coastal zone management seems indicated; perhaps there is more
than a parallelism, and eutrophication has become as much part of
coastal zone management as coping with the natural hazards common
to sea and shore. Furthermore, it is desirable to reject the mere
69
ment would require 20 years. Ulva methanization has been carried out at
the Centre d'Etude et de Valorisation des Algues at Pleubian, Brittany.
Pollution abatement is, however, the primary aim. Laminaria has been
methanized as part of an integrated economy concept on Sein Island
(Brittanyi; Morand et al. 1990).
The higher productivity potential of seaweeds over land plants may
encourage their use for, e.g., pollution abatement and energy generation.
However, this, by itself, will not "solve" eutrophication problems as
different kinds of seaweed have different economic advantages (caloric
content, conversion efficiency, maximum yield). Undoubtedly, methanization is a reasonable choice under certain conditions, such as the right
location, scale effect, and existence of an environmental problem. Any
project should however, first define optimum choice for algae utilization,
and reduce possibilities of setbacks.
The approach to gas production differs on each side of the Atlantic.
Seaweed proliferation in Europe and pollution abatement, have prevailed
over concerns with productivity and nutrient provision. Ecological and
economic climates will determine whether research, with adequate fmancial backing, will be carried out or not.
Utilization of algal material in human food, though valued at more
than % 700 million per year in Asia, is hampered by legal problems in
Europe. In France, only Laminaria digitata is being utilized for a trial
period. In Belgium, though somewhat less stringent, legislation is very
specific (Charlier 1992).
In most countries throughout the world, the market for algae runs
into technological, financial, commercial and even ecological constraints, though none of them are impossible to overcome.
2.7 Comprehensive Management
Solving the eutrophication problem is an undertaking currently handled
on a local, or at best regional level. Now that eutrophication problems
have been recurrent for several decades and are spreading steadily to
more geographical areas, action on a larger scale appears indicated. It
can hardly be delayed. In fact, an approach similar to that recommended
for coastal zone management seems indicated; perhaps there is more
than a parallelism, and eutrophication has become as much part of
coastal zone management as coping with the natural hazards common
to sea and shore. Furthermore, it is desirable to reject the mere