Amazing algae photos

Check out these stunning images of an algae farm in Western Australia. Hutt Lagoon is about 14 km long by 2k m wide and around 1 m deep. Photographer, Steve Back took the pictures from above, showcasing the amazing pinky red algal blooms. 

The micro-organisms produce beta-carotene, which has a multitude of applications including ice-cream and nutritional supplements for pregnant women.

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You can see more of Back's work here.

Hutt Lagoon (Photo credit: kid_wendy)

BioMarine Business Convention

The BioMarine Business Convention takes place in Halifax, Canada September 9-12, 2013. The programme will have three themes: Marine Natural Products, Aquaculture and Aquafeed, and Marine Bio-Technologies. The programme will comprise of a series of interactive sessions, multiple networking opportunities, and key notes from international senior executives, top experts and dignitaries.

More information...

English: Canadian Horseshoe Falls with city of Buffalo, US in background. Clicked from Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Using seaweed in hair products

Cargill has been quick to get involved in the growing interest in the natural personal care market.

Studies show that the natural personal care market grew by nearly 15 percent annually between 2005 and 2010, compared to 4 percent for the overall market. Growth is strong in all regions, with Brazil leading the charge. In Europe, the largest region, Germany is the most developed market for natural beauty products. 

Cargill has developed an ingredient from seaweed which can be used in hair products to add texture. Beatural is can be used to develop beauty products made with natural polymers. This technology was originally used in food texturisers to the personal care category.

Marie-Laure Roumiguière, Pharma & Personal Care Category Manager at Cargill, discusses the shape of the market and how it is changing.

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English: Hair gel. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Indian army looks to algae

The Indian army is considering bio-fuel from alage as a way to reduce its dependency on fossil fuel. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) - the research wing of the Indian armed forces, is experimenting with bio-fuel for its military vehicles.

"From our existing literature we have identified at least 40 species of algae from which bio-fuel could be extracted. Experiments are going on and we hope to come with some interesting finds very soon," said Sashi Bala Singh, director of the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS).

Research is underway to identify a fast-growing species suitable for bio-fuel.

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Biofuels work at Argonne (Photo credit: Argonne National Laboratory)

BioMarine Business Convention 2013 preliminary programme

With 2012 done and dusted, attention now turns to the next BioMarine Business Convention in Halifax, Canada. Scheduled for September 9-12, 3012, the 2013 programme will comprise of a series of interactive sessions and think-tank, series of key notes from senior executives, top experts and celebrities.

If you wish to keep up with the latest developments in the biomarine industry then the interactive sessions are for you. If you prefer to take an active part in the future recommendations and contribute to the final reports, you will choose to participate to the think-tanks. If you wish to invest or scout the best innovative technology and projects then the Innovation Forum is the place you will attend. Plan, organise and meet: BioMarine one-to-one business meetings will also offer you a world of business opportunities.

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Halifax (Photo credit: joshbousel)

BioMarine in International Aquafeed magazine

The BioMarine Business Convention 2012 features in the new issue of International Aquafeed magazine.

The event is shown into the spotlight with a 16-page supplement including proceedings from the six Think Tanks and debates.

Read the full report online here or the view the whole issue online here.

International Aquafeed January/February 2013

BioMarine Business Convention supplement in International Aquafeed magazine

Happy new year everyone.  I hope you all had a great 2012 and 2013 is off to a flying start.

I wanted to let you know that the next issue of International Aquafeed magazine will feature a 12-page BioMarine supplement on the highlights and outcomes of the BioMarine Business Convention held in London in October 2012. It is really exciting working on such a big project and I am looking forward to sharing the results with you.

Don't forget, registration is open for the next BioMarine Business Convention, which will take place in Halifax, Canada, September 9-12, 2013. More information...