Onshore algae farms could be 'breadbasket for Global South' - paper published on October 6 We are facing several issues regarding society's future nutritional demands, where population growth, limited arable land, lack of freshwater and environmental degradation are all factors currently further exacerbated by climate change. However, hope is found in alternative measures, such as the alternative of growing protein-dense microalgae in onshore, seawater-fed aquaculture systems. A study implemented by researchers at Cornell University provides a look into a future where food alternatives such as algae can prove to "help increase food production by more than 50% and feed a projected 10 billion people by 2050". Not only is the resource highly nutritious, providing nutrients commonly lacking in vegetarian diets (amino acids, minerals found in meat and omega-3 fatty acids), and fast-growing, but it can also be cultivated in environments not already used for other purposes. The paper specifies that it would particularly be of interest to establish along the coast of the Global south, including commonly uncultivated areas such as desert environments. Where such potential locations could be established is in the paper determined by using GIS-based models, which also predict yields based on annual sunlight, topography, and other environmental and logistical factors of importance. "And because we're growing it in relatively enclosed and controlled facilities, we don't have the same kind of environmental impacts." - Charles Greene, professor emeritus of earth and atmospheric sciences and the paper's senior author. Stating that nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers in excess can be captured and reused, instead of polluting waterways and our soil, thus being a more sustainable food source option. Read more about the work they've done and are continuing to do --> DOI: 10.5670/oceanog.2022.213 Charles Greene, Celina Scott-Buechler, Arjun Hausner, Zackary Johnson, Xin Gen Lei, Mark Huntley. Transforming the Future of Marine Aquaculture: A Circular Economy Approach. Oceanography, 2022; 26 Source: Cornell University. (2022, October 6). Onshore algae farms could be 'breadbasket for Global South'. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 10, 2022 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221006162844.htm Picture: Microalgae cultivation facility along the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Image provided by the Cyanotech Corporation.