- Theme
- EU4Algae
Published on 9 October 2025
Strengthening the Foundations for a Data-Driven Algae Sector
The latest edition of the EU4Algae Quarterly Webinar Series, organised under the EU4Algae project, an initiative by the European Commission (DG MARE), focused on a key pillar of the sector’s sustainable growth — improving algae data collection across Europe. The session aimed to advance efforts toward a reliable and harmonised algae database, crucial for policymaking, investment, and the long-term development of the European algae industry.
Launched in 2022, EU4Algae connects researchers, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and businesses to foster collaboration and innovation in the algae sector. By facilitating networking, promoting knowledge exchange, and contributing to initiatives such as the EU Algae Initiative, European Green Deal, and Farm to Fork Strategy, the project continues to support Europe’s green transition and circular economy goals.
Key Challenges Identified from the Webinar
Participants highlighted that algae data are currently split across agriculture and aquaculture classifications, resulting in fragmented and incomplete information. Other challenges included:
- Inconsistent reporting of dry vs. wet weight preventing reliable comparisons.
- Unclear import/export data often missing details on product origin and processing.
- Confidentiality restrictions limiting access to data from producers.
- Taxonomic inconsistencies and outdated nomenclature complicating species-level reporting.
Lack of Harmonisation:
Member States follow different data collection methodologies. While Eurostat compiles national datasets, the absence of common templates and standardised units limits comparability and transparency across Europe.
Limited Use of Existing Data:
Existing data from Eurostat, FAO, and EMODnet are often underused due to formatting and classification barriers. Moreover, current customs codes are too broad to distinguish algae types or processing stages, hindering accurate analysis.
Stakeholder Perspectives
The session featured a series of insightful presentations from experts representing research institutions, industry, and the European Commission, each sharing unique perspectives on current challenges and opportunities.
- Silvio Mangini (European Algae Biomass Association – EABA)
Emphasised the importance of robust statistical data as a foundation for policymaking and industrial progress. He called for taxonomy standardisation and better integration of data collection systems across the EU.
- Dr. Fabrizio Capoccioni (CREA, Italy)
Presented Italy’s approach to aquaculture data collection through regional surveyors and digital platforms coordinated by CREA. He advocated for aligning microalgae data collection with established aquaculture methodologies to improve consistency and comparability.
- João Navarro (Necton)
Provided insights from an industry perspective, noting that companies already generate extensive operational data through systems such as SCADA and quality control platforms. He called for a “winning proposal” to incentivise data sharing and demonstrate its benefits to producers.
- Alessandro Pititto (COGEA)
Showcased data availability through EMODnet and EUMOFA, while noting persistent challenges in granularity and classification. He underscored the importance of collaboration among public authorities, researchers, and industry players to maintain and update shared databases.
- Ann Ruddy (Alga Seaweed & Redrose Developments)
Shared insights from macroalgae cultivation emphasise the need for practical, small-scale, and community-based data collection approaches. She highlighted the difficulties of measuring biomass accurately and ensuring sustainable harvesting practices.
European Commission Perspective
Linos Voskarides (DG MARE) reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening data collection frameworks for the algae sector. He emphasised that, without reliable and harmonised statistics, the European Commission cannot effectively justify policy measures or allocate funding to support the industry’s growth.
Recommendations and Next Steps
To move toward a unified, data-driven framework for the European algae industry, participants outlined the following priorities:
- Prioritise import/export data: Enhance the classification and traceability of algae products entering and leaving the EU.
- Harmonise data collection: Develop standardised templates and methodologies across Member States.
- Engage industry associations: Encourage associations to act as intermediaries in collecting and anonymising producers’ data.
- Promote transparency and incentives: Motivate producers to share data by linking it to funding opportunities and visibility.
- Leverage existing platforms: Strengthen collaboration with EMODnet and EUMOFA to improve data accessibility and accuracy.
Mapping the Way Forward
This webinar reaffirmed the shared goal of establishing a harmonised European algae data system — one that supports research, policymaking, and industry innovation.
By connecting public institutions, private companies, and data experts, EU4Algae continues to pave the way for a transparent and evidence-based algae sector, empowering Europe to unlock the full potential of its blue bioeconomy.
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