Blue Bioeconomy Research Articles

Enzymes from Fishery and Aquaculture Waste: Research Trends in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Circular Bio-Economy.

In the era of the blue bio-economy, which promotes the sustainable utilization and exploitation of marine resources for economic growth and development, the fisheries and aquaculture industries still face huge sustainability issues. One of the major challenges of these industries is associated with the generation and management of wastes, which pose a serious threat to human health and the environment if not properly treated. In the best-case scenario, fishery and aquaculture waste is processed into low-value commodities such as fishmeal and fish oil. However, this renewable organic biomass contains a number of highly valuable bioproducts, including enzymes, bioactive peptides, as well as functional proteins and polysaccharides. Marine-derived enzymes are known to have unique physical, chemical and catalytic characteristics and are reported to be superior to those from plant and animal origins. Moreover, it has been established that enzymes from marine species possess cold-adapted properties, which makes them interesting from technological, economic and sustainability points of view. Therefore, this review centers around enzymes from fishery and aquaculture waste, with a special focus on proteases, lipases, carbohydrases, chitinases and transglutaminases. Additionally, the use of fishery and aquaculture waste as a substrate for the production of industrially relevant microbial enzymes is discussed. The application of emerging technologies (i.e., artificial intelligence and machine learning) in microbial enzyme production is also presented.

Calcium Acetate Drug Produced from Rapana venosa Invasive Gastropod Shells: Green Process Control Assisted by Raman Technology.

The highly demanded calcium acetate (Ca(CH3COO)2) for biomedicine and various industries constantly requires green and low-cost methods of synthesis. In the present work, a sustainable approach to produce Ca(CH3COO)2 is reported as a proof of concept, processing for the first time as a starting material the worldwide highly abundant Rapana venosa shells, which is a neglected biogenic waste with high economical potential due to the rich mineral and organic pigmentary content. A green synthesis involving an eco-friendly acetic acid has been optimized at room temperature, without any additional energy consumption, and the resulting saturated Ca(CH3COO)2 solution was further slowly evaporated in three stages to obtain white Ca(CH3COO)2 crystalline powder, without impurity traces. Raman spectroscopy provided efficient structural information for every step of the process control, during demineralization as well as end product validation. Yields as high as 87.5% of highly pure Ca(CH3COO)2 mass have been achieved from raw R. venosa shells, proving the uniqueness and economic viability of the method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and Fourier-Transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses validated the final product identity, hydration status, crystalline morphology, and composition. The purity of the resulting product suggests a high valorization potential of the abundant R. venosa shell in the context of the blue bioeconomy and offers a cleaner and efficient method of Ca(CH3COO)2 production with important applications in relevant industries.

Towards a Sustainable and Circular Blue Bioeconomy: A Scoping Review

Towards a Sustainable and Circular Blue Bioeconomy: A Scoping Review

Production of a new chitinase from Nocardiopsis halophila TN-X8 utilizing bio-waste from the blue swimming crab: enzyme characterization and immobilization.

In accordance with the framework of the Circular Blue Bioeconomy in the Mediterranean region, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biotransformation of blue swimming crab (Portunus segnis) residues obtained from the port of Sfax by an extracellular chitinase produced by Nocardiopsis halophila strain TN-X8 isolated from Chott El Jerid (Tozeur, Tunisia). From the analysis of multiple extremophilic Actinomycetota, it was determined that strain TN-X8 exclusively utilized 60g/L of raw blue swimming crab as its carbon and energy source, achieving a chitinase activity of approximately 950 U/mL following a 6-day incubation period at 40°C. Pure chitinase, designated as ChiA-Nh30, was obtained after heat treatment, followed by ammonium sulfate fractionation and Sephacryl® S-200 column chromatography. The maximum ChiA-Nh30 activity was observed at pH 3 and 75°C. Interestingly, compared with cyclohexamidine, ChiA-Nh30 showed a good antifungal effect against four pathogenic fungi. Furthermore, when using colloidal chitin as substrate, ChiA-Nh30 demonstrated a higher degree of catalytic efficiency than the commercially available Chitodextrinase®. In addition, ChiA-Nh30 could be immobilized by applying encapsulation and encapsulation-adsorption techniques. The kaolin and charcoal used acted as excellent binders, resulting in improved ChiA-Nh30 stability. For the immobilized ChiA-Nh30, the yield of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine monomers released from 20% (w/v) blue swimming crab residues increased by 3.1 (kaolin) and 2.65 (charcoal) times, respectively.

Governance hurdles for expansion of low trophic mariculture production in Sweden

The study examines the governance of low trophic species mariculture (LTM) using Sweden as a case study. LTM, involving species such as seaweeds and mollusks, offers ecosystem services and nutritious foods. Despite its potential to contribute to blue growth and Sustainable Development Goals, LTM development in the EU and OECD countries has stagnated. A framework for mapping governance elements (institutions, structures, and processes) and analyzing governance objective (effective, equitable, responsive, and robust) was combined with surveys addressed to the private entrepreneurs in the sector. Analysis reveals ineffective institutions due to lack of updated legislation and guidance, resulting in ambiguous interpretations. Governance structures include multiple decision-making bodies without a clear coordination agency. Licensing processes were lengthy and costly for the private entrepreneurs, and the outcomes were uncertain. To support Sweden’s blue bioeconomy, LTM governance requires policy integration, clearer direction, coordinated decision-making, and mechanisms for conflict resolution and learning.

The African seaforest: a review

Abstract Kelp forests dominate the western and southwestern coastlines of southern Africa. This expansive ecosystem spreads over two very different ecoregions that are of particular interest to researchers due to the complexities of their physical environment. The mid-to-late 1900s saw a proliferation in pioneering research on southern African kelp forests. Since this period (1970–1989), researchers have published comparatively few seminal studies concerning kelp forest ecology and biological functioning. In light of this deficit, this review synthesised pre-existing research on southern African kelp forests, and highlighted key gaps in the research landscape to spark interest and facilitate new studies. Among several others, key research gaps uncovered by this review include kelp carbon sequestration potential and possible contributions to the blue bioeconomy; deeper exploration into the biological functioning and ecological roles of Macrocysis pyrifera and Ecklonia radiata populations in southern Africa; and the impacts of a changing physical environment on these kelp forests. In light of our rapidly changing climate, filling these gaps will be essential in informing conversations around coastal and marine management decisions and policy.

Raman Technology for Process Control: Waste Shell Demineralization for Producing Transparent Polymer Foils Reinforced with Natural Antioxidants and Calcium Acetate By-Products

Waste biogenic materials derived from seafood exploitation represent valuable resources of new compounds within the blue bioeconomy concept. Here, we describe the effectiveness of Raman technology implementation as an in-line tool for the demineralization process control of crustaceans or gastropods. Transparent chitin polymeric foils and calcium acetate by-products were obtained from three waste crustacean shells (C. sapidus, S. mantis, and M. squinado) using a slow, green chemical approach employing acetic acid. Progressive mineral dissolution and increasing of the Raman characteristic signal of chitin is shown in a time-dependent manner using NIR-Raman spectroscopy, while resonance Raman shows intact carotenoids in reacted shells after 2 weeks. Chitin foil products are species-specific, and the demineralization bath of the waste shell mixture can be effectively tracked by Raman tools for solvent control and decision making for the recovery of calcium acetate by-products. Comparatively obtained calcium acetate from Rapana venosa snail shells, the subject of Raman analyses, allowed assessing by-product identity, hydration status, purity, and suitability as recrystallized material for further use as a pharmaceutical compound derived from different crustaceans or gastropod species. Cross validation of the results was done using FT-IR, XRD, and SEM-EDX techniques. A hand-held flexible TacticID Raman system with 1064 nm excitation demonstrated its effectiveness as a rapid, in-line decision making tool during process control and revealed excellent reproducibility of the lab-based instrument signal, suitable for in situ evaluation of the demineralization status and solvent saturation control.

Modelling bioremediation of contaminated effluents by Ulva ohnoi. – A predictive perspective

Ulva spp. are tolerant to salinity variations and exhibit easy acclimation, playing an essential role in the depollution of aquatic ecosystems precisely due to their high efficiency in absorbing and accumulating nutrients. For this reason, Ulva spp. becomes an attractive solution for recovering areas that suffer the impacts of problems such as the eutrophication of anthropogenic origin. In addition to being a promising alternative for the blue bioeconomy, it can contribute to the sustainability of economic activities in coastal areas. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop and elucidate the behavior of Ulva ohnoi using predictive surface response models. The algae were grown under different concentrations of nutrient and salinity levels, as predicted by the experimental design, and it was evaluated according to the potential of the biomass to absorb the nutrients, as well as its photosynthetic performance and biochemical parameters. Our study confirmed the high efficiency and preference of Ulva ohnoi in the absorption of nitrogen dissolved in the medium in the form of NH4+ and that salinity is an essential factor in the dynamics and speed of ammonium absorption. The absorption of orthophosphate by U. ohnoi is reverted to the culture medium when subjected to long-term cultivation. This process was more intense because of low salinity, even at conditions of availability of the compound. The 3D-models of response surfaces elucidate the behavior of Ulva ohnoi, attributing a correlation between nutrient availability and salinity and the biological behavior of the species. In view of what is exposed by these models, as well as the effects of saline distribution along the Lagoon, the following regions of the lagoon are suggested: Center-North, Center and South – as potential areas for the implementation of bioremediation projects with Ulva ohnoi.

Circular bioeconomy ecosystems: Hydroxyapatite from fish waste at Rio de Janeiro

AbstractThe transition to a low‐carbon economy endangered the revenues of many oil‐dependent regions. This is the case in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, which has become highly dependent on oil and gas royalties since the 1970s. At the same time, the circular blue bioeconomy has emerged as a pathway for environmentally sound socioeconomic development. In such a context, a biological resource in many oil‐dependent regions is fish processing residue, from which high added‐value compounds can be obtained, such as collagen, hydroxyapatite, gelatin, lipids, enzymes, hydrolysates, and bioactive peptides. The present study aims to understand the potential for a future fish waste hydroxyapatite (FHAp) market in the state of Rio de Janeiro (SRJ). The methodological approach integrates technology roadmapping with market and innovation ecosystem assessment. We found that the main techniques for obtaining FHAp were chemical hydrolysis and calcination, and the most innovative and value‐added applications were biomaterial for tissue regeneration (BTR) and physical sunblock (PS). The mapping of SRJ companies showed that the state has qualified players in cosmetic and biomedical industries that could develop innovations in BTR and PS made of FHAp. However, the mapping also showed a gap in the FHAp extraction stage, which is essential for the value chain. To find and encourage players to compound this innovation ecosystem, the public power can therefore act as an articulator, providing financial incentives and creating infrastructural conditions, such as a waste pretreatment plant next to the state fishing pole.

From a heavy metal perspective, is macroalgal biomass from Madeira Archipelago and Gran Canaria Island of eastern Atlantic safe for the development of blue bioeconomy products?

AbstractMacroalgae are considered a valuable source of several compounds with nutritional, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical applications. They are also used for crop fertilization and biofortification by introducing important minerals into the soil essential for crop productivity. At the same time, however, they are known bio-accumulators of some heavy metals. In this work, we assessed the content of 7 minerals considered as heavy metals in 25 macroalgae samples, comprising 4 greens, 9 reds and 12 browns, from Madeira Archipelago, Portugal, for their potential use as blue bioeconomy products. These heavy metals included zinc (Zn) with concentrations that ranged from 1.95 – 242.65 mg kg−1 dw, nickel (Ni, 0.6 – 34.78 mg kg−1 dw), copper (Cu, 0.42 – 7.98 mg kg−1 dw), chromium (Cr, 0.47 – 45.74 mg kg−1 dw), cadmium (Cd, 0.1 – 2.58 mg kg−1 dw), lead (Pb, 0.05 – 2.79 mg kg−1 dw) and mercury (Hg, 0.03 – 8.49 µg kg−1 dw). We also analysed 22 samples of beach-cast macroalgae from Gran Canaria Island, Spain, collected from November 2016 to November 2019. The same heavy metals were assessed with their concentrations that ranged as follows: Zn (11.41 – 42.20 mg kg−1 dw), Ni (3.17 – 17.78 mg kg−1 dw), Cu (1.85 – 4.20 mg kg−1 dw), Cr (6.08 – 37.98 mg kg−1 dw), Cd (0.02 – 0.11 g kg−1 dw), Pb (0.16 –5.42 mg kg−1 dw) and Hg (3.59 – 31.00 µg kg−1 dw). These concentrations are all within the normal ranges reported in earlier studies in low industrialized areas, except for the brown algae Gongolaria abies-marina and Sargassum vulgare with high mean (± SD) Cd concentration (1.91 ± 0.36 and 1.75 ± 0.07 g kg−1 dw respectively). Our results suggest that most of the biomass prospected in these localities covered in the present study would be a viable source of materials for the development of a blue economy industry with emerging products following the European Union directives.

Unveiling the anticancer potentiality of single cell oils produced by marine oleaginous Paradendryphiella sp. under optimized economic growth conditions

Bioprospecting about new marine oleaginous fungi that produce advantageous bioproducts in a green sustainable process is the key of blue bioeconomy. Herein, the marine Paradendryphiella sp. was utilized for single cell oils (SCOs) production economically, via central composite design, the lipid content enhanced 2.2-fold by 5.5 g/L lipid yeild on seawater-based media supplemented with molasses concentration 50 g/L, yeast extract, 2.25 g/L at initial pH value (5.3) and 8 days of static incubation. Subsequently, the fatty acid methyl esters profiles of SCOs produced on optimized media under different abiotic conditions were determined; signifying qualitative and quantitative variations. Interestingly, the psychrophilic-prolonged incubation increased the unsaturation level of fatty acids to 59.34%, while ω-6 and ω-3 contents representing 23.53% and 0.67% respectively. Remarkably, it exhibited the highest EC100 dose by 677.03 µg/mL on normal human lung fibroblast Wi-38 cells. Meanwhile, it showed the highest inhibiting proliferation potential on cancer cell lines of A549, MDA-MB 231 and HepG-2 cells by 372.37, 417.48 and 365.00 µg/mL, respectively. Besides, it elevated the oxidative stress, the expression of key apoptotic genes and suppressed the expression of key oncogenes (NF-κB, BCL2 and cyclin D); implying its promising efficacy in cancer treatment as adjuvant drug. This study denoted the lipogenesis capacity of Paradendryphiella sp. under acidic/alkaline and psychrophilic/mesophilic conditions. Hereby attaining efficient and economic process under seasonal variation with different Egyptian marine sources to fill the gap of freshwater crisis and simultaneously preserve energy.

Effect of feed supplementation with seaweed wracks on performance, muscle lipid composition, antioxidant status, digestive enzyme activities, and plasma biochemistry of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles

Macroalgal wracks are frequently considered as waste products. However, macroalgae are a rich source of protein and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities whose inclusion in aquafeeds is receiving growing attention. The aim of this study was to assess the use of beach-cast macroalgae as dietary supplement for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles. Fish were fed for 93 days with an extruded commercial diet (CD); a CD supplemented with 7% of a dried-powder from a multispecific macroalgal wrack (30.9% Lobophora sp., 21.9% Dictyota sp., 19.6% Asparagopsis taxiformis, 17.5% Cymopolia sp., 1.8% Hypnea sp., 0.2% Laurencia sp., 0.1% Stypocaulon sp., and 8% not determined) (CD+MU7); a CD supplemented with a monospecific macroalgal wrack of 85% Lobophora sp. (CD+MOL7); and a CD supplemented with a monospecific macroalgal wrack of 85% Dictyota sp. (CD+MOD7). Macroalgae were extracted with n-hexanes, ethyl acetate and ethanol, and the antioxidant capacity of extracts was assessed, with ethyl acetate leading to the most active extracts (p < 0.05). The dietary inclusions of a 7% macroalgal wrack did not negatively affect S. aurata survival, growth, body indexes, proximate composition, oxidative status and plasma parameters. Contrarily, fish fed on CD+MU7 and CD+MOD7 showed the highest monoacylglycerols content, while both monospecific diets led to the highest total saturated fatty acids content in muscle (p < 0.05). The digestive enzymes profile was slightly modified (p < 0.05), but without compromising fish performance. Finally, muscle from fish fed on CD+MOL7 seemed to display a better capacity to modulate the glutathione metabolism (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a 7% of macroalgal wracks can be used as a dietary supplement for S. aurata juveniles, depicting an attractive alternative for the effective harnessing of this usually discarded biomass. Macroalgal inclusion may also reduce the use of fish-based ingredients for aquafeeds, diminishing the pressure on pelagic fisheries, and contributing to the blue bioeconomy strategy.

Comparative Analysis of Composition and Porosity of the Biogenic Powder Obtained from Wasted Crustacean Exoskeletonsafter Carotenoids Extraction for the Blue Bioeconomy

The recovery and recycling of wasted resources are at the forefront of contemporary global issues. Methods of addressing several different issues may go hand-in-hand with each other, such as linking food waste recycling into bio-based adsorbent materials and wastewater treatment. Crustacean exoskeletons are promising candidates for bio-friendly adsorbents; however, maximizing their efficiency requires the optimization of processing technology. Crustacean meat offers an (often luxury) culinary delicacy, while their waste exoskeletons offer opportunities for smart recycling of the magnesian calcite nanoporous biocomposite. Here, we conduct a structural characterization of the exoskeletons of three crustacean species to assess how the extraction of valuable carotenoids affects prospects for the further valorization of their porous powder. The exoskeleton powder’s composition and morphology were investigated by SEM, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR and XRD. The biomineral component magnesian calcite was recorded both in native and in post-extraction exoskeleton powder. Acetone extraction, however, partially removed organic matter from the exoskeletons, resulting in the porosity of the respective powder increasing significantly from below 10 m2 g−1 in the native powder to over 32 m2 g−1 in post-extraction samples of blue crab and spider crab exoskeletons—while the spiny lobster exoskeleton exhibited low porosity, as measured by the BET method. This new insight could improve exoskeleton processing in the sustainable circular economy and applied blue bioeconomy—most notably for adsorbent materials for pollutants dissolved in water or as ordered, nature-derived nanostructured templates.

Characterization of high value products in the side-stream of Laminaria hyperborea alginate production - Targeting the phenolic content

Sustainable production based on renewable biomass and efficient bioprocesses are important elements in the growing blue bioeconomy. The traditional Laminaria hyperborea alginate production disposes approximately 80 % of the raw material, ignoring large amounts of potential high-value products from the alga. Particularly, the leaf fraction of the seaweed is often disregarded. This study aimed to characterize high value products from the alginate production side-stream – focusing on the leaf biomass and particularly targeting the phenolic content. After extraction and solvent optimization, 60 % methanol was used for the extraction. The extract was further purified with PuriFlash and semi-preparative chromatography and increasing phenolic selectivity and purity was observed with TPC and qNMR, as well as antioxidant activity (ORAC). In the purified fractions, the LR LC-MS analyses displayed several masses, where 96 % (n = 1376) were of lower molecular weights (< 800 Da). Fifteen high value compounds were further identified using HR LC-MS (MS/MS) and/or NMR. This also included non-phenolics such as fucoxanthin, aliphatic acids and mannitol. Nonetheless, most compounds were identified as the targeted phenolics, consisting of lower molecular weight phenolic acids (salicylic acid, veratric acid, 5-caboxyvanillic acid, sinapic acid, 5-sulfosalicylic acid, vanillic acid 4-sulfate, and dihydrocaffeic acid 3-sulfate) and phlorotannins (trimer, tetramer, hexamer, and a sulfated dimer). None of the identified phenolics have previously been reported in L. hyperborea. In general, a high occurrence of sulfated phenolic compounds was observed and a sulfated diphlorethol/difucol was characterized for the first time. The isolation and characterization of high value components in the leaf biomass of L. hyperborea strongly supports the development of a total utilization of commercial alginate production. The characterization also adds information on the phenolic content of seaweeds at a molecular level, valuable to research on seaweed biosynthesis and development, chemical ecology, and ocean monitoring.

The BlueBio project’s database: web-mapping cooperation to create value for the Blue Bioeconomy

Funding innovation requires knowledge on previous/on-going research and identification of gaps and synergies among actors, networks and projects, but targeted databases remain scattered, incomplete and scarcely searchable. Here we present the BlueBio database: a first comprehensive and robust compilation of internationally and nationally funded research projects active in the years 2003–2019 in Fisheries, Aquaculture, Seafood Processing and Marine Biotechnology. Based on the previous research projects’ database realized in the framework of the COFASP ERA-NET, it was implemented within the ERA-NET Cofund BlueBio project through a 4-years data collection including 4 surveys and a wide data retrieval. After being integrated, data were harmonised, shared as open and disseminated through a WebGIS that was key for data entry, update and validation. The database consists of 3,254 “georeferenced” projects, described by 22 parameters that are clustered into textual and spatial, some directly collected while others deduced. The database is a living archive to inform actors of the Blue Bioeconomy sector in a period of rapid transformations and research needs and is freely available at: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21507837.v3.

Mapping the Polar Lipidome of Macroalgae using LC‐MS‐Based Approaches for Add‐Value Applications

AbstractMarine macroalgae are emerging as sustainable and healthy food, and a source of lipids with nutritional and bioactive properties. Nonetheless, the lipidome of macroalgae is little explored compared to other photosynthetic organisms. Most of the literature is devoted to the analysis of fatty acid (FA) from macroalgae, because of they are a source of long‐chain omega‐3 and omega‐6 polyunsaturated FA, which can be used as an alternative to fish oil. However, FA occurs mostly esterified in other lipids, such as polar lipids, that still overlooked. The data published on the study of polar lipids (phospholipids, glycolipids, betaine lipids) pinpoint their remarkable characteristics and bioactive properties which mainly remain unexplored. The lipidome of macroalgae seems to be species‐specific, while some lipid classes appear to be characteristic of phyla. Lipidome plasticity of macroalgae is verified to change under abiotic and biotic factors which may modulate the functionality and add‐value of the biomass. This biochemical plasticity represents an advantage to obtain ingredients for target applications and niche of markets. This review provides an overview on macroalgae lipidome characterization, addressing analysis workflow based on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and discussing the bioactive properties and biotechnological applications of macroalga lipids.Practical Applications: The current state of the art on marine macroalgae lipidomics is reviewed, including the lipid characterization using modern liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, the distribution of polar lipids by macroalgae species and phylum, their bioactive properties, and potential biotechnological applications. In a time of increasing awareness of sustainably produced marine resources, the lipids from macroalgae are still underexplored. This review provides information for smart valorization of macroalgae as source of add‐value lipids contributing to the development of blue bioeconomy.

The “Vertigo” of the Food Sector within the Triangle of Climate Change, the Post-Pandemic World, and the Russian-Ukrainian War

Over the last few years, the world has been facing dramatic changes due to a condensed period of multiple crises, including climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russian-Ukrainian war. Although different, these consecutive crises share common characteristics (e.g., systemic shocks and non-stationary nature) and impacts (e.g., disruption of markets and supply chains), questioning food safety, security, and sustainability. The current article analyses the effects of the noted crises in the food sector before proposing target mitigation measures to address the different challenges. The goal is to transform the food systems to increase their resilience and sustainability. This goal can only be achieved if all relevant actors within the supply chain (e.g., governments, companies, distributors, farmers, etc.) play their role by designing and implementing target interventions and policies. In addition, the transformation of the food sector should be proactive concerning food safety, circular (valorizing several bioresources under the principles of climate neutral economy and blue bioeconomy), digital (based on Industry 4.0 applications), and inclusive (ensuring that all citizens are actively engaged). Food production modernization (e.g., by implementing emerging technologies) and developing shorter and more domestic supply chains are also critical to achieving food resilience and security.

The blue bioeconomy - the creation of a healthy fish farming business ecosystem

The blue bioeconomy - the creation of a healthy fish farming business ecosystem

The blue bioeconomy - the creation of a healthy fish farming business ecosystem

The blue bioeconomy - the creation of a healthy fish farming business ecosystem

Transnational Governance Frameworks for Sustainable Innovation: The Case Of The Blue Bioeconomy In The Mediterranean

Recent developments in innovation policy have challenged the initial assumptions of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), initially aimed at promoting innovation for regional growth. In response to the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the new S3 seeks to address social and sustainable development challenges. The present study sets out to propose an extension of one of these reformed S3 approaches to a multilevel governance setting. The study will propose a governance model suitable to support innovation in the blue bioeconomy –those economic activities related to the living resources at sea–, in the Mediterranean.