WADER will be trialling a variety of sensitive methods to remove the algal mats, with a view to potentially extract up to 58.5 tonnes of algal biomass from Budle Bay.
In parallel, we will be exploring innovative ways to recycle the waste macroalgae commercially – eg as fertiliser, biomass energy, bait and as dye pigment for the textiles industry. This is vitally important, as it will help WADER’s conservation work to be scalable and financially sustainable in the long term.
Currently research is being undertaken by three Newcastle University postgraduate students: Charlotte Jennings is exploring seagrass recovery and restoration in Budle Bay, Phoebe Lewis is investigating the extraction of algal colour pigments for use in fashion and textiles (image right) and Ethan Clarke is researching the potential value of macroalgae as a raw material in Biorefinery.
Ultimately, the WADER team will also consider whether it is feasible to restore the habitats impacted by the algae, potentially reseeding and replanting seagrass.
