Surfing it together – the new wave of Marine Biotechnology

The commercial potential of bioproducts and bioprocesses from marine biodiversity is continually expanding, as technology evolves. New frontiers lie in the areas of functional foods, seafood co-products, pharmaceuticals,... [ view full abstract ]

The commercial potential of bioproducts and bioprocesses from marine biodiversity is continually expanding, as technology evolves. New frontiers lie in the areas of functional foods, seafood co-products, pharmaceuticals, agrichemicals, tools for environmental bioremediation and biofuels. As marine biotechnology advances in Australia and New Zealand, it will deliver health, food, fuel and environmental benefits through the development of new bio-products, sustainable technologies and industries. Examples of commercialisation of marine biotechnologies include, Nuseed-CSIRO-GRDC Long-chain Omega-3 oils project; a South Australian-based major partnership with a Chinese seaweed company and a discovery project targeting a solution for NZ Kiwi fruit PSA-v pathogen from marine sources, amongst others. A new Society, a companion to AMSA and NZMSS, has been formed with the aim to advance the capacity of marine biotechnology in Australia and New Zealand. The Australia-New Zealand Marine Biotechnology Society Inc. (incorporated in October, 2014) is addressing the opportunities and challenges of building strong, sustainable bio-industries, based on marine biota and dependent on the best science, the best technologies and the best industrial structures. This presentation officially launches this Society, provides marine biotechnology examples, our key priorities, issues, challenges and opportunities.