- Strengthening collaboration on marine carbon neutrality research using West Sea tidal flats and microalgae -
On June 17, the Incheon Metropolitan City Fisheries Resources Research Institute (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced the signing of a business agreement with Ghent University, an overseas university located in the Incheon area, to conduct joint research on marine fisheries.
The city aims to establish an international research foundation for advancing marine fisheries development in the Incheon region and fostering new marine industries. The signing ceremony took place in the president’s office at Ghent University.
Key components of the MOU include research on the utilization and conservation of the West Sea tidal flats, various marine R&D projects, the cultivation of new industries, and studies on marine carbon neutrality utilizing microalgae.
Ghent University, Belgium’s largest research-oriented university, became the first European college to establish a campus in Incheon’s Songdo district in 2014.
Incheon’s tidal flats account for 28% of South Korea’s total tidal flat area, ranking second nationwide. Recent studies show that these tidal flats can absorb up to 20% of Incheon’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting their potential contribution to carbon neutrality and climate change mitigation.
Microalgae, a type of marine plant, efficiently captures carbon through photosynthesis by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The carbon-captured microalgae can then be used as eco-friendly resources such as biofuel, fertilizer, and animal feed.
Through this agreement, both institutions plan to collaborate closely to lead marine carbon neutrality research and support Incheon’s growth as a hub for marine and fisheries research by advancing marine bio-convergence studies and new industry development.
Kim Jin-seong, Director of the Incheon Fisheries Resources Research Institute, stated, “Through marine research technologies from both Europe and Korea, we will preemptively respond to future environmental and industrial changes, while laying the groundwork for innovative marine industry research in Incheon.”
