BE1024510B1 - Structure for cultivating macroalgae - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a structure for culltivating macroalgae. The structure comprises a multidimensional substrate and a wire system comprising a plurality of wires. The wire system is attached to the multidimensional substrate. The wire system comprises a very open structure. The invention further relates to the use of such a structure for cultivating macroalgae, to a method for cultivating macroalgae and to a method for making a structure for cultivating macroalgae.

Description

(73) Holder (s):

ATSEA Technologies NV 9600, RONSE Belgium (72) Inventor (s):

GROENENDAAL Bert 9910 KNESSELARE Belgium

VANDENDAELE Patrice 9600 RONSE Belgium (54) Structure for cultivating macroalgae (57) The invention relates to a structure for cultivating macroalgae. The structure includes a multi-dimensional substrate and a filament system comprising multiple wires. The filament system is attached to the multidimensional substrate. The filament system has a very open structure. The invention further relates to the use of such a structure for cultivating macroalgae, to a method of cultivating macroalgae and to a method of making a structure for cultivating macroalgae.

Figure 1

BELGIAN INVENTION PATENT

FPS Economy, K.M.O., Self-employed & Energy

Publication number: 1024510 Filing number: BE2016 / 5970

Intellectual Property Office International classification: C12M 1/00 A01G 33/00 A01H 13/00 C12M 1/12

Date of grant: 21/03/2018

The Minister of Economy,

Having regard to the Paris Convention of 20 March 1883 for the Protection of Industrial Property;

Having regard to the Law of March 28, 1984 on inventive patents, Article 22, for patent applications filed before September 22, 2014;

Having regard to Title 1 Invention Patents of Book XI of the Economic Law Code, Article XI.24, for patent applications filed from September 22, 2014;

Having regard to the Royal Decree of 2 December 1986 on the filing, granting and maintenance of inventive patents, Article 28;

Having regard to the application for an invention patent received by the Intellectual Property Office on 23/12/2016.

Whereas for patent applications that fall within the scope of Title 1, Book XI, of the Code of Economic Law (hereinafter WER), in accordance with Article XI.19, § 4, second paragraph, of the WER, the granted patent will be limited. to the patent claims for which the novelty search report was prepared, when the patent application is the subject of a novelty search report indicating a lack of unity of invention as referred to in paragraph 1, and when the applicant does not limit his filing and does not file a divisional application in accordance with the search report.

Decision:

Article 1

ATSEA Technologies NV, Oscar Delghuststraat 60, 9600 RONSE Belgium;

represented by

NLO BVBA, Technologiepark 19, 9052, ZWIJNAARDEGENT;

a Belgian invention patent with a term of 20 years, subject to payment of the annual fees as referred to in Article XI.48, § 1 of the Economic Law Code, for: Structure for the cultivation of macroalgae.

INVENTOR (S):

GROENENDAAL Bert, Prinsengoeddreef 36, 9910, KNESSELARE;

VANDENDAELE Patrice, Avenue Jules Bordet 48, 9600, RONSE;

PRIORITY:

BREAKDOWN:

Split from basic application: Filing date of the basic application:

Article 2. - This patent is granted without prior investigation into the patentability of the invention, without warranty of the Merit of the invention, nor of the accuracy of its description and at the risk of the applicant (s).

Brussels, 21/03/2018,

With special authorization:

2016/5970

BE2016 / 5970

Technical domain The invention relates to a structure for cultivating macroalgae. The structure according to the invention is characterized by a multidimensional substrate provided with an open wire system. The invention further relates to the use of a structure for cultivating macroalgae, a method for cultivating macroalgae and a method for making a structure for cultivating macroalgae.

State of the Art The cultivation of algae such as macroalgae, for example, has become increasingly important in recent years. After all, macroalgae or seaweeds are regarded as a promising raw material for the future. They are used, for example, for food or feed, as additives for food or feed, as a raw material for biofuel, as a raw material for pharmaceutical products or as a raw material for (bio) materials. Cultivating algae has many advantages. Compared to cultivating land plants, cultivating macroalgae leads to high productivity. Cultivating macroalgae does not require scarce agricultural land or freshwater and no additional nutrients are required. Macroalgae can also make an important contribution to protecting or increasing marine biodiversity.

Several methods are known to cultivate macroalgae. A first method involves cultivating macroalgae on ropes. For this, macroalgae are sown on a rope or macroalgae cuttings are placed between the strands of a rope. The ropes are then placed in the sea, for example by attaching them to a float, to the bottom or to other objects such as a windmill. Planting macroalgae cuttings requires a manual process that is time consuming and expensive. In addition, a minimum distance (usually a few meters away) between successive ropes must be respected to ensure that neighboring ropes do not interact with one another, for example during storms and / or strong currents. As a result, the yield of macroalgae per unit area is limited.

BE2016 / 5970 [0004] In recent years, a method has been proposed in which the macroalgae cuttings are placed in tubular nets which are then placed in the sea. Although the process for placing the cuttings in the tubular nets is less time-consuming than placing macroalgae cuttings in or on ropes, the yield per unit area obtained via this method remains limited, since here too a minimum distance (usually a few meters away) between successive tubular nets must be respected.

Another method of cultivating macroalgae includes growing macroalgae on two-dimensional mats or cloths. Microscopic small juvenile seaweed plants are applied to a mat or cloth, for example by immersing a mat or cloth in a container with juvenile seaweed plants or by spraying a solution or suspension containing juvenile seaweed plants on the cloth or mat.

However, this method can only be used for a limited number of seaweed species.

Thus, there is a need for improved methods for cultivating macroalgae that make cultivating macroalgae economically viable.

Description of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide an improved structure for cultivating macroalgae.

It is another object of the invention to provide a macroalgae cultivation structure that provides a high yield of macroalgae per unit area.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a structure for cultivating macroalgae that allows seaweed cuttings to be efficiently applied to the structure.

Moreover, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for cultivating macroalgae.

BE2016 / 5970 [0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a structure for cultivating macroalgae. The structure includes a multidimensional substrate that includes a first side and a second side, a filament comprising multiple threads, the filament being attached to the first side or the second side of the multidimensional substrate and thus forming a multidimensional filament extending over a surface A of the multidimensional substrate, i.e. over a surface A of the side of the multidimensional substrate to which the filament system is attached, namely the first side or the second side. When the filament system is attached to the multidimensional substrate, at least 90% of the surface A of the multidimensional substrate is not covered by the threads of the multidimensional filament system.

In certain embodiments, a filament system on the first side and filament system on the second side of the multidimensional substrate are attached. The filament fastened on the first side and the filament secured on the second side can be identical or different.

By the term "multidimensional" is meant two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

A two-dimensional structure is characterized by a length and a width, a three-dimensional structure is characterized by a length, a width and a thickness. A multidimensional substrate comprises a two-dimensional substrate (characterized by a length and a width) or a three-dimensional substrate (characterized by a length, a width and a thickness). A multi-dimensional wire system comprises a two-dimensional wire system (characterized by a length and a width) or a three-dimensional wire system (characterized by a length, a width and a thickness).

Any substrate to which a filament system can be attached can be regarded as a substrate. The substrate preferably comprises a predominantly plane

BE2016 / 5970 substrate which is characterized by a first side and a second side, such as for instance a top side and a bottom side or a left side and a right side.

The substrate is preferably a flexible substrate. By "flexible substrate" is meant a substrate that is bendable or bendable.

The substrate can comprise a plastic, a natural material or a combination thereof. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinylidene fluoride, polylactic acid, blends and block polymers thereof or combinations thereof can be considered as plastic. Bio-based polymers such as biopoylethylene terephthalate or bio-polyethylene can also be considered.

Flax, jute, cotton, sisal, bamboo and combinations of these can be considered as natural materials.

In certain preferred embodiments, the substrate is biocompatible and / or biodegradable.

The substrate may comprise one substrate or a combination of Substrates, such as, for example, a multilayered layered structure.

The substrate or one of the layers of the substrate may or may not be provided with one or more coatings, such as, for example, a UV stabilizing coating, a hydrophilic coating, a hydrophobic coating or a combination thereof.

A suitable substrate comprises, for example, a film, a foil, a mesh, a textile structure or a combination thereof.

In preferred embodiments, the substrate comprises a textile structure such as, for example, a woven structure, a non-woven structure, a knitted structure, a braided structure or a combination of one or more such structures.

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BE2016 / 5970 [0018] In certain preferred embodiments, the multidimensional substrate has a high light reflection. A macroalgae cultivation structure comprising a multidimensional substrate with a high light reflectance has the advantage that it allows the macroalgae applied to or on the structure to absorb more light. Namely, the light reflected from the multidimensional substrate can re-enter the macroalgae applied to or on the structure according to the invention. The amount of light absorbed by the macroalgae has a positive effect on the growth of the macroalgae.

To determine the degree of light reflection, the percentage of light in a given wavelength range, typically in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 700 nm, is measured that is reflected. For example, the multidimensional substrate of the invention has a degree of light reflection of light with a wavelength between 400 nm and 700 nm of at least 50%. This means that at least 50% of the light with a wavelength between 400 nm and 700 nm is reflected by the multidimensional substrate. In other preferred embodiments, the multidimensional substrate has a degree of reflection of light with a wavelength between 400 nm and 700 nm of at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95%.

In certain embodiments, the multidimensional substrate includes a white substrate.

In alternative embodiments, the multidimensional substrate may be provided with a highly reflective coating. It is of course also possible that the multidimensional substrate comprises a white substrate provided with a reflective coating.

It may be desirable for the multidimensional substrate to have a large specific area, for example, a specific area greater than 1 m ² per m ² of the multidimensional substrate. More preferably, the specific surface area is greater than 5 m ² per m ² substrate, such as for instance a specific surface area between 5 m ² and 1000 m ² per m ² substrate, for example between 10 m ² and 500 m ² per m ² substrate, for example 100 m ² , 200 m ² , 300 m ^{2 or} 400 m ² per m ² substrate. A multi-dimensional substrate with a high specific surface area increases the light reflection. As mentioned above,

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BE2016 / 5970 high light reflection has a positive effect on the growth and productivity of macroalgae.

The multidimensional substrate preferably has a pore size between 10 µm and 1500 µm, more preferably between 25 µm and 500 µm, such as, for example, 50 µm, µm, 100 µm, 200 µm, 300 µm or 400 µm.

[0021] Before being attached to the multidimensional substrate, the filament system may consist of a self-contained structure, such as, for example, a knitted, braided, knotted, welded or woven structure, mesh or net.

In preferred embodiments, the filament system comprises a knitted, braided, knotted, welded or woven net.

In other embodiments, the filament system - before it is attached to the multidimensional substrate - consists of loose wires that do not form a stand-alone structure. For example, a filament system includes a group of parallel or predominantly parallel wires.

As a thread, any shape of an elongated element can be considered, such as, for example, a filament, a cord, a cable, a thread, a ribbon or combinations thereof.

The wires of the wire structure preferably have a diameter or equivalent diameter ranging between 0.1 mm and 50 mm, for example between 0.5 mm and 10 mm such as, for example, 2 mm. The different wires of the wire structure can have the same diameter. In other embodiments, a wire structure may consist of wires of different diameters.

The wires can comprise a plastic, a natural material or a combination. As a plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene tereflalate, polyacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinylidene fluoride, polylactic acid, blends and block polymers thereof

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BE2016 / 5970 or combinations thereof are considered. Bio-based polymers such as biopoylethylene terephthalate or bio-polyethylene can also be considered.

Flax, jute, cotton, sisal, bamboo and combinations of these can be considered as natural materials.

The different wires of the wire structure can consist of the same material. In other embodiments, the wire structure may consist of wires of a different material.

In certain preferred embodiments, the wires of the filament system are biocompatible and / or biodegradable.

The wires of the filament system and / or the filament system may or may not have one or more coatings, such as, for example, a UV stabilizing coating, a hydrophilic coating, a hydrophobic coating or a combination thereof.

In preferred embodiments, the threads include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or polyamide filaments or cords.

The wires of the filament system may consist of the same material as the multidimensional substrate. In alternative embodiments, the wires of the filament system and the multidimensional substrate consist of different materials.

The wires of the filament system or the filament system are preferably partially attached to the multidimensional substrate.

Within the context of this invention, the term "fastening" means any way in which the wires of the filament system or the filament system are partially attached, bonded or joined to or with the multidimensional substrate. Fastening therefore includes bonding, joining, coupling, gluing, gluing, laminating, ...

Preferred techniques for attaching the wires or the filament system to the multidimensional substrate include mechanical techniques, thermal techniques,

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BE2016 / 5970 chemical techniques or combinations of one or more techniques. Mechanical techniques include, for example, stitching, embroidery, knitting or knotting or combinations thereof. Chemical techniques include adhesives, for example. Thermal techniques include, for example, at least partially heating and melting the wires or filament system and / or at least partially heating and melting the multidimensional substrate.

In preferred embodiments, the threads of the filament system are mechanically attached to the base substrate, for example, by stitching or embroidery.

By "partial fastening to the multidimensional substrate" is meant that the threads of the filament system or the filament system are / have been affixed to the multidimensional substrate with certain parts of the threads while other parts of the threads of the filament system or the filament system are not connected to the multidimensional substrate.

Preferably, the wires of the filament system are attached to the multidimensional substrate at predetermined locations, the attachment locations. There is preferably a minimum distance between successive mounting locations. The filament system can hereby be moved partly, that is to say partly movable, relative to the multidimensional substrate. Because the filament system is partially movable or displaceable relative to the multidimensional substrate, macroalgae cuttings can be attached to the algae cultivation structure, for example, by placing the macroalgae cuttings between the filament system and the multidimensional substrate or by attaching the cuttings to or around the wires of the filament system.

The distance between two successive mounting locations varies, for example, between 0.1 cm and 1000 cm, such as, for example, between 1 cm and 200 cm, between 1 cm and 100 cm, between 10 cm and 100 cm, such as, for example, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm or 70 cm.

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BE2016 / 5970 [0034] In certain embodiments, the threads of the filament system are attached to the multidimensional substrate at certain points, the attachment points, for example by stitching or embroidery. The distance between two successive fixing points varies, for example, between 0.1 cm and 1000 cm, such as, for example, between 1 cm and 200 cm, between 1 cm and 100 cm, between 10 cm and 100 cm, such as, for example, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm or 70 cm.

The spacing between successive attachment points may be constant throughout the structure or may vary across the structure. In certain embodiments, there are zones in which the spacing between successive attachment points is less than in other zones.

In other embodiments, the threads of the filament system are attached to the multidimensional substrate by attaching the filament system to certain lines, the fastening lines, to the multidimensional substrate, for example, by stitching or embroidery. These lines are, for example, oriented along the length direction or according to the width direction of the multidimensional substrate. Alternatively, the lines are oriented along the length and width of the multidimensional substrate. It is of course also possible that these lines are oriented in a direction which does not correspond to the longitudinal or longitudinal direction of the multidimensional substrate.

For example, the distance between two successive fastening lines varies between 0.1 and 1000 cm. In certain embodiments, the distance between two successive fastening lines is 1 cm to 200 cm, for example 1 cm to 100 cm or 10 cm to 100 cm, such as, for example, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm or 70 cm.

The spacing between successive fastening lines may be constant throughout the structure or may vary across the structure. In certain embodiments, there are zones in which the spacing between successive fastening lines is less than in other zones.

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BE2016 / 5970 The multidimensional filament system of a structure according to the invention preferably has a very open structure. In preferred embodiments, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, or at least 97% of the surface A of the multidimensional substrate is not covered by the threads of the multidimensional filament system.

Because the filament system has a very open structure, a lot of light can enter the macroalgae. This is important since macroalgae use photosynthesis to produce energy and carbohydrates. Good light therefore has a positive effect on the growth and productivity of the macroalgae.

The distance between successive threads of the filament system preferably varies between 1 cm and 50 cm. In preferred embodiments, the distance between two consecutive wires varies between 2 cm and 50 cm or between 5 cm and 20 cm, such as, for example, between 5 cm and 15 cm or between 7 cm and 12 cm, such as, for example, 8 cm or 10 cm.

When the algae are attached to or around the wires of the filamentary system, the distance between successive macroalgae cuttings can be determined by choosing the distance between successive wires.

By choosing the distance between successive wires, the yield per unit area can be optimized.

The spacing between successive threads of the filament array may be constant throughout the filament array.

In other embodiments, the spacing between successive wires is not constant over the entire wire system. The filament system has, for example, zones in which the wires are placed at a short distance from each other and zones in which the wires are placed at a greater distance from each other. The distance between wires that are placed at a short distance from each other is, for example, at a distance of 1 to

20 cm, for example at a distance of 2 cm to 20 cm or at a distance of 5 to 15 cm, such as, for example, 7 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm or 12 cm. The distance between wires running at greater

BE2016 / 5970 may be placed at a distance of more than 10 cm, for example at a distance of 20 to 50 cm, for example at a distance of 25 cm, 30 cm or 40 cm.

Structures with a filamentary system comprising zones where the wires are placed at a short distance and zones where the distance is placed at a greater distance are particularly suitable for cultivating different types of macroalgae on one structure, for example for a combination of macroalgae that have short distances spaced and macroalgae that require greater spacing.

In a preferred embodiment, the filament system comprises a mesh net, such as, for example, square meshes. The size of the meshes preferably varies between 5 cm and 50 cm, for example between 5 cm and 20 cm, between 5 cm and 15 cm or between 7 cm and 12 cm, such as for example 8 cm or 10 cm.

The filament system may comprise a net of constant mesh size throughout the net.

In other embodiments, the filament system includes a net with meshes of different mesh sizes. For example, the filament system may include a net having zones of small mesh size and zones of larger mesh size. For example, the small mesh size zones have a mesh size between 2 cm and 20 cm, such as, for example, between 5 cm and 15 cm, or between 7 cm and 12 cm, such as, for example, 8 cm or 12 cm. For example, the zones with meshes of a larger mesh size have a mesh size larger than 10 cm, such as a mesh size of 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm or 50 cm.

Structures with a filament system comprising zones of different mesh sizes are particularly suitable for cultivating different types of macroalgae on one structure, for example, a combination of macroalgae that can be spaced a short distance from each other and macroalgae that require greater spacing.

BE2016 / 5970 The structure for cultivating macroalgae according to the invention comprising the multidimensional substrate and the filament system is preferably a flexible structure. By "flexible structure" is meant a structure that is bendable or bendable.

Preferably, the multidimensional filament system extends over an area A which is at least 60% of the area of the first side of the multidimensional substrate when the multidimensional filament system is attached to the first side of the multidimensional substrate or is at least 60% from the surface of the second side of the multidimensional substrate when the multidimensional filament system is attached to the second side of the multidimensional substrate.

By "stretching over a surface A" is meant that the multidimensional substrate spreads over a surface A. The circumference of the multidimensional substrate thus determines the area A.

In preferred embodiments, the multidimensional filament system extends over an area A which is at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the area of the first side or of the second side of the multidimensional substrate. It is clear that the filament system can also extend over the entire surface of the first side or of the second side of the multidimensional substrate. In this case, the area A is 100% of the area of the first side or of the second side of the multidimensional substrate.

The structure according to the invention allows to cultivate macroalgae by means of a multidimensional, for example a two-dimensional or three-dimensional, structure by applying cuttings of macroalgae on or to the structure. Macroalgae cuttings can be applied in a simple and time-efficient manner. As mentioned above, techniques are known in the art that macroalgae cuttings are applied to one-dimensional structures by arranging macroalgae cuttings between the strands of a cord. This technique is time consuming and expensive and only produces a limited yield per unit area. There

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After all, BE2016 / 5970 must respect a minimum distance (usually a few meters distance) between successive ropes to ensure that neighboring ropes do not interact with one another, for example during storms and / or strong currents. As a result, the yield of macroalgae per unit area is limited.

The structures according to the invention allow to immobilize cuttings of macroalgae efficiently and provide a high yield of macroalgae per unit area.

Due to the very open structure of the filament system, the light can incident on the macroalgae almost unhindered. Good light is important because the light has a positive effect on the growth and productivity of the macroalgae.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method of cultivating macroalgae. The method includes the following steps of providing a structure for cultivating macroalgae as described above;

applying macroalgae cuttings to the structure for cultivating macroalgae.

Any method that allows to attach, attach or attach the macroalgae cuttings to the macroalgae cultivation structure can be contemplated. For example, the cuttings are attached to the threads of the filament array, for example, by tying the cuttings to the threads or by wrapping the cuttings around the threads of the filament array.

According to an alternative method, the cuttings of the macroalgae are placed between the multidimensional substrate and the filament system. The cuttings are thus immobilized. Macroalgae with a branched structure have the advantage of ensuring good immobilization.

For example, the macroalgae cuttings have a weight ranging from 10g to 100g, such as, for example, 10g, 20g, 30g, 40g, 50g, 70g, 90g or 100g.

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BE2016 / 5970 [0049] The mutual distance between neighboring cuttings of macroalgae preferably varies between 1 cm and 50 cm, for example between 2 cm and 30 cm, such as for example 8 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm or 25 cm.

For example, the preferred spacing between neighboring cuttings depends on the type of macroalgae.

A third aspect of the invention relates to the use of a structure as described above for cultivating macroalgae. The structure of the invention is particularly suitable for cultivating the following macroalgae

Eucheuma cottonii, Eucheuma spinosum, Eucheuma denticulatum, Gracilaria and Gelidium.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method of making a structure for cultivating macroalgae as described above. The method includes the following steps:

providing a multidimensional substrate comprising a first side and a second side;

providing wires or providing a wire system;

attaching the wires or the filament system to the multidimensional substrate at certain positions along the first side or the second side of the multidimensional substrate.

In certain embodiments, both sides of the multidimensional substrate, namely, the first side and the second side, are provided with a filament by attaching wires or a filament system to both the first side and the second side of the multidimensional substrate.

According to a first method, the filament system may consist of a self-existing structure, the self-existing structure being attached to the multidimensional substrate. The filament system can be attached to the multidimensional substrate in the ways described above.

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BE2016 / 5970 [0054] According to a second method, the filament system consists of individual wires and the individual wires are attached to the multidimensional substrate. The wires can be attached to the multidimensional substrate in the ways described above.

Brief Description of the Figures The invention is explained below with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures.

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a structure for cultivating macroalgae according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a structure for cultivating macroalgae according to the invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments The terms which are used are only intended to further illustrate the invention:

macroalgae (also called seaweeds, called macrophytic algae) are multicellular plant-like organisms. They include a branched foliage (thallus) and usually a root-like attachment organ. Macroalgae use photosynthesis to produce energy and carbohydrates.

They include green algae (Chlorophyta), red algae (Rhodophyta) and brown algae (Phaeophyta). Examples of green algae are Enteromorpha and Monostroma, examples of red algae include Eucheuma, Gracilaria Porphyra and Kappaphycus, examples of brown algae include Laminaria japonica and Undaria pinnatifida.

macro-algae cuttings (also called seaweed cuttings) are macro-algae cuttings, preferably with a weight ranging between 5 g and 100 g per cutting, for example between 10 g and 100 g per cutting.

The drawings are only schematic and non-limiting. The dimensions and relative dimensions of the different elements of the drawings do not come

BE2016 / 5970 correspond to the actual dimensions and relative dimensions. The size of certain elements in the drawings may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a structure 1 for cultivating macroalgae according to the invention. The structure 1 comprises a multidimensional substrate 2 and a wire system 7.

The multidimensional substrate 2 has a first side 3 and a second side (not shown).

The multidimensional substrate 2 comprises, for example, a woven textile structure, such as, for example, a polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester structure, optionally provided with a coating, such as a polymer coating.

In preferred embodiments, the multidimensional substrate 2 comprises a substrate which is commercialized under the name Algae Tex from AT SEA Technologies.

The wire system 7 comprises, for example, a net consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester cords or wires 6. The net has, for example, square meshes with a mesh size of 2 to 20 cm, for example a mesh size of 8 cm.

The wires 7 and in particular the wires 6 of the wires 7 are fastened along one side of the multidimensional substrate 2, for example along the first side 3 of the multi-dimensional substrate 2. The wires 6 of the wires 7 can be secured, for example, by forming stitches 8 at certain predetermined locations.

For example, the distance between consecutive stitches 8 varies between 0.1 and 1000 cm. In certain embodiments, the distance between two consecutive stitches is 1 to 200 cm, for example, 1 cm to 100 cm or 10 cm to 100 cm, such as, for example, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm or 70 cm.

Once the filament system 7 is attached to the multidimensional substrate 2, the filament system 7 extends over a surface A. The surface A is preferably at least 60% of the surface of the first side 3 of the multidimensional substrate 2.

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BE2016 / 5970

The filament system 7 is a very open structure. Preferably at least 80% or at least 90% of the surface A is not covered by the wires 6 of the wire system 7.

Because the filament system 7 is a very open structure, a large amount of light falls on the macroalgae. This has a positive effect on the growth of the macroalgae.

In preferred embodiments, the multidimensional substrate 2 has a high degree of reflection of light with a wavelength between 400 nm and 700 nm such as a degree of reflection of 50%, 60% or 80%. The multidimensional substrate 2 comprises, for example, a white substrate or a substrate provided with a highly reflective coating.

It may be desirable for the multidimensional substrate 2 to have a large specific area, for example a specific area greater than 1 m ² per m ² of the multidimensional substrate 2. More preferably, the specific area varies between 5 m ² per m ² substrate 2, such as a specific surface between 5 m ² and

1000 m ² per m ^{2 of} substrate 2. A multidimensional substrate 2 with a high specific surface area increases the light reflection. As mentioned above, high light reflection has a positive effect on the growth and productivity of the macroalgae.

The multidimensional substrate 2 preferably has a pore size between 10 µm and 1500 µm, more preferably between 25 µm and 500 µm, such as, for example, 50 µm, µm, 100 µm, 200 µm, 300 µm or 400 µm.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a structure 1 for cultivating macroalgae according to the invention. The structure 1 corresponds to the structure as shown in Figure 1. In contrast to the embodiment 1, the filament system 7 is attached to the multidimensional substrate 2 according to fastening lines 8 ', for example by stitching or embroidery along the fastening lines 8'. These fastening lines 8 'are oriented, for example, according to the longitudinal direction or according to the width direction of the multidimensional substrate 2.

For example, the distance between two consecutive attachment lines 8 varies between 0.1 and 1000 cm. In certain embodiments, the distance is between two

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BE2016 / 5970 consecutive fastening lines 1 to 200 cm, for example 1 cm to 100 cm or 10 cm to 100 cm, such as for example 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm or 70 cm.

The structure according to the invention is being tested for the cultivation of macroalgae along the South coast of Kenya, more particularly in intertidal area.

Seaweed cuttings from E. denticulatum and K. alvarezii were first washed. Then 25 seaweed stitches of 10 g each were applied to a structure according to the invention.

The structure corresponds to a structure as shown in Figure 2.

The multidimensional substrate includes, for example, a substrate that is marketed under the name Algae Tex from AT SEA Technologies.

The filament system includes, for example, a net with a mesh size of 8 cm. This means that the distance between two successive wires of the wire structure is 8 cm.

For example, the filament system is attached to the multidimensional substrate by stitching along fastening lines 8 ". Successive fastening lines 8 "are, for example, at a mutual distance of 50 cm.

The structure used for the tests has a total area of 1 m by 1 m. The macroalgae cuttings were placed between the filament system and the multidimensional substrate with a distance of about 8 to 10 cm between neighboring cuttings.

After the macroalgae were applied to the structure, the structure was attached to wooden posts at a depth of about 20 cm from the seabed by means of ropes, such as, for example, polyethylene ropes.

Ten random cuttings were weighed every two weeks to determine the biomass and growth of the cuttings. It is clear that the removal of the cuttings from the structure and the subsequent replacement of the cuttings is done with the greatest care to avoid negative effects on the seaweed cuttings.

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BE2016 / 5970 The percent daily growth rate (DGR%) of the seaweed cuttings is determined by applying the following formula:

DGR% = ln (W _f / Wo) / 1 x 100

With Wf the weight of the seaweed cutting on day t

Wo the weight of the initial seaweed cutting (on day 0) t the time (expressed in days).

The seaweed biomass results are shown in Table 1, the daily growth rate is shown in Table 2

Table 1: Mean weight (g ± SD (standard deviation)) of E. denticulatum and K. alvarezii after 0, 14, 28 and 42 culture days

Kind 0 days 14 days 28 days 42 days E. denticulatum 10g ± 0 36.6 g ± 4.9 50.8 g ± 9.6 81.5 g ± 22.0 K. alvarezii 10g ± 0 24.7 g ± 4.1 35.9 g ± 6.2 33.7 g ± 10.9

Table 2: Percent Daily Growth Rate (DGR%) of E. denticulatum and K. 15 alvarezii at 14, 28, and 42 days

Kind 14 days 28 days 42 days E. denticulatum 9.3 5.8 5.0 K. alvarezii 6.5 4.6 2.9

From Table 1 and Table 2 it can be concluded that particularly high percentage daily growth rates (DGR%) are obtained.

Furthermore, it can be determined that the biomass yield obtained by using a macroalgae cultivation structure according to the invention is three to eight times higher than the biomass yield obtained by using traditional rope-based systems.

2016/5970

BE2016 / 5970

Claims (10)

Conclusions A structure (1) for cultivating macroalgae, comprising a multidimensional substrate (2) comprising a first side and a second side 5, a filament system (7) comprising several filaments (6), the filament system (7) attached to the first side or to the second side of the multidimensional substrate (2) to form a multidimensional filament array (7) extending over a surface A of the multidimensional Substrate (2), wherein at least 90% of the surface area A of the multidimensional substrate (2) is not covered by the wires (6) of the multidimensional wire system (7). A structure (1) for cultivating macroalgae according to claim 1, wherein The multidimensional substrate (2) comprises a substantially flat substrate. A structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the multidimensional substrate (2) is a film, a foil, a mesh, a woven structure, a non-woven structure, a knitted structure, a braided structure or a combination thereof includes. A structure (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wires (6) comprise filaments, cords, cables, ribbons or combinations thereof. A method of making a structure (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising the following steps of providing a multidimensional substrate (2) comprising a first side and a second side; providing wires (6) or providing a wire system (7); 5 is / will be by stitching, embroidery, knitting, knotting or by a combination thereof. A structure (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the Multidimensional filament system (7) comprises a group of parallel or predominantly parallel wires, a net, a mesh or a combination thereof. A structure (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the multidimensional filament system (7) and / or the multidimensional wires (6) The filament system (7) is / are partially attached to the multidimensional substrate (2) by a mechanical, chemical and / or thermal technique. 2016/5970 BE2016 / 5970 A structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multidimensional filament system (7) and / or the wires (6) of the multidimensional filament system (7) are partially attached to the multidimensional substrate (2) A structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multidimensional wires system (7) and / or the wires (6) of the multidimensional 10 wire system (7) is / are attached to the multidimensional substrate at predetermined mounting locations (8, 8 "). A structure (1) according to claim 8, wherein the mutual distance between two successive attachment locations (8.8 ') varies between 0.1 cm and 1000 cm. A structure (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the multidimensional filament system (7) and / or the wires (6) of the multidimensional filament system (7) is / are attached to the multidimensional substrate (2) on certain fixing points (8) or according to certain 20 mounting lines (8 "). A structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 95% of the area A of the multidimensional substrate (2) is not covered by the wires (6) of the multidimensional wire system (7). A method for cultivating macroalgae, the method comprising the following steps of providing a structure (1) as defined in claims 1 to 11, applying cuttings of macroalgae to the threads (6) of the 30 wire system (7) or between the wires (6) of the wire system (7) and the multidimensional substrate (2). 2016/5970 BE2016 / 5970 Use of a structure (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 for cultivating macroalgae. - fixing the wires (6) or the wire system (7) to the multidimensional substrate (2) at certain places. BE2016 / 5970