In the wake of sustainable development, Sonae MC stands out as one of the main players in the blue bioeconomy landscape. Marlos Silva, leader of the Digital & Innovation area and director of Research and Development, shares the commitments surrounding the ocean and reveals some of the results achieved with this endeavor. Chairman of the board of B2E CoLAB, Marlos Silva is the protagonist of this edition of Ocean Connectors.

What are the main results of Sonae MC’s work in the field of the blue bioeconomy?

Our group is committed to sustainability, focused on accelerating progress and sustainable performance for the future of the planet and people. With regard to biodiversity and water, we aim to promote the protection, restoration and regeneration of nature and its ecosystem services, encompassing soils, drinking water and oceans. We act to prevent and reduce the impacts and pressures of commercial activities along the value chain on natural ecosystems, promoting their conservation and regeneration. Continente is the first Portuguese food distribution chain to obtain MSC and ASC certifications, displaying the MSC blue label for sustainable fishing and the ASC label for responsible aquaculture. The MSC and ASC standards guarantee the traceability of products from sustainable fishing and aquaculture, from the source to the final consumer, and our certification covers all 41 Continente stores, 3 logistics platforms and more than 1000 workers trained under the evaluation process. We hold MSC and ASC certification for various species/products to reinforce our commitment to ocean sustainability, respecting species populations, the marine ecosystem and recognizing our suppliers who follow sustainable practices in the management of marine resources.

A project in the field of the blue bioeconomy developed by Soja de Portugal, of which we are proud.

Valormar, which we proudly lead in a scientific partnership with CIIMAR, has developed innovative technological solutions to enhance the valorization and efficient use of marine resources through the integration of value chains within a circular economy framework. This project, widely recognized as a success story in cooperation, valorization, and innovation in the blue bioeconomy, has delivered new marine products, technologies, and processes to industry and the market. Furthermore, it has presented a platform concept for integrating the fish value chain, new technologies and processes for aquaculture, and new concepts for Marine Bio-Refineries.

A project or idea you would like to implement in the blue bioeconomy?

I would say two: the effective digital integration of the fish value chain, namely for better management in terms of quality and sustainability, as well as to inform and educate consumers about more sustainable behaviors; and the massive inclusion of algae (sustainably produced) in human food, extracting value for healthy and sustainable nutrition, but also as an alternative to less sustainable sources of nutrients.

How do you envision the blue bioeconomy in 30 years?
I advocate for a symbiotic relationship with our oceans for food, transportation, and leisure activities, among others. That’s how I’d like to imagine it in 30 years. On the other hand, on many levels, today that future doesn’t seem so promising, but the importance of marine ecosystems and the effects of the damage we are causing will force us to change our behavior towards that kind of relationship with the oceans and the blue bioeconomy.

What is the importance of the work done by B2E CoLAB?
There is still much to learn and do in the blue bioeconomy, and the activities of B2E CoLAB, resulting from the joint effort of relevant scientific and business entities, are crucial for effectively developing the sectors of living marine resources, marine biotechnology, and sustainable aquaculture. Facilitating the transfer of technology from science to business, promoting sustainability and ocean literacy in society, and finally, fostering collaborative innovation are fundamental aspects of the work done by B2E CoLAB.