Episode 7: Seaweeds: The hidden champions of coastal ecosystems

Welcome to Ocean InSight! Today we release the 7th episode of the MeerWissen podcast series on marine conservation and ocean science for sustainable development, with unique perspectives from those on the frontlines of research, policy and action.

This time our host Hauke Kegler is meeting the researchers behind our partnership project CLIMALG in Senegal. CLIMALG_SN studies seaweed habitats for their biodiversity and ecosystem services in Senegal and West Africa. They are furthermore investigating their potential to foster climate change resilient blue growth, integrating existing knowledge and stakeholders.

The guests of our latest episode are:

• Dr. Waly Ndianco Ndiaye, who is an engineer in aquaculture at the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA),
• Dr. Birgit Quack from the GEOMAR Helmholtz-Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. She is a senior scientist with a background in food chemistry and marine chemistry,
• Dr. Florian Weinberger, a botanist and microbiologist who is also working at the GEOMAR Helmholtz-Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and
• Dr. Anna Fricke, an expert on macroalgae and Food for Future at the Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ).

Dive in and learn why seaweeds have often been undesired by the fishermen and local population of Senegal and how CLIMALG-SN is trying to improve their image. Our guests also explain how local and traditional knowledge plays a key role in identifying the more than 400 species of seaweed known and shaping the perception of those versatile and beneficial plants.

Tune in to the 7th podcast episode of the MeerWissen Initiative and stay up to date on our Website, Spotify, or Podigee.