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The Promise of Marine Biotechnology

No ecosystems provide greater genetic diversity or possibilities for new products and processes than the world's marine environments. More than 80% of the earth's living organisms exist in oceans, estuaries, or fresh waters. These diverse species possess unique chemicals and processes that — through the tools of biotechnology — are enhancing the quality of life throughout the world through advancements in biomedicine, environmental remediation, and in agricultural and industrial applications.

 

The bioactive chemicals in marine organisms — unmatched by terrestrial species —present vast opportunities for new classes of pharmaceuticals, solutions to environmental problems, and new generations of agricultural and manufacturing materials. Advancements in modern molecular biology and engineering have made it possible to unlock the molecular treasures inherent in sea life (see Science & Potential). New products from marine organisms include skin grafting materials, improved field tests for seafood pathogens, and environmentally safe fertilizers. Even so, many believe we have just begun to unteather the potential of marine biotechnology.

For these reasons, the National Sea Grant College Program has been charged with leading a national initiative to protect and develop marine resources through advances of biotechnology. To do so, Sea Grant has established the Marine Biotechnology Theme Team, whose responsibilities include catalyzing research in marine biotechnology for:

•  the protection of human and environmental health along America's coasts and

•  the development of novel products and industrial processes.