A View on the Potential of Utilizing Marine Organic Fertilizers for Sustainable Coastal Ecosystem Management

From 1961 to 2020, global agricultural production grew nearly four times, with the majority of this growth taking place in the Global South. Meanwhile, the world’s population increased 2.6 times, leading to a 53% rise in agricultural output per capita, according to data from the USDA

Ensuring food security amidst global population growth presents a significant challenge. This challenge requires innovative strategies that not only address the increasing demand for food but also mitigate the environmental impacts associated with agricultural expansion. These strategies must align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure a sustainable future for both people and the planet.

One promising solution is the use of organic fertilizers derived from marine sources. These fertilizers have the potential to improve soil structure by enhancing the activity of soil organisms and restoring essential nutrients that plants need to thrive. Two marine-origin materials that show great promise for this purpose are seagrass wrack and jellyfish biomass. By harnessing these resources, we can create environmentally friendly fertilizers that contribute to the sustainable management of coastal ecosystem services, all while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers that can harm the environment.

In this post, we explore the potential of utilizing marine organic fertilizers as a viable strategy for ensuring food security while promoting sustainability. This approach not only helps improve soil health but also supports the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems that play a vital role in our overall environmental well-being.

Seagrass wrack, often considered undesirable waste material on beaches, and jellyfish blooms, which are seen as a nuisance due to their negative impacts on marine ecosystem productivity, both present unique opportunities for sustainable solutions. Recent investigations have shown that organic fertilizers made from seagrass and jellyfish can help enhance coastal ecosystem services. These natural fertilizers contribute to pollution reduction, as well as improving soil health and quality.

Recent research highlights the benefits of using seagrass litter as a fertilizer. It improves the soil’s water-holding capacity and enhances the nutritional value of crops. Seagrass is also valuable as a multifunctional fertilizer, as it contains essential macro- and microelements that support plant growth. Similarly, the application of jellyfish-derived fertilizer has been shown to increase soil organic matter, as well as the levels of key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This not only enhances soil quality but also promotes the growth and survival of seedlings significantly.

By turning these marine waste materials into organic fertilizers, we can address waste disposal issues while simultaneously improving agricultural sustainability and supporting the health of coastal ecosystems.

"A perspective on the potential of using marine organic fertilizers for the sustainable management of coastal ecosystem services" by Martina Orlando-Bonaca

Fig 1 Between 1961 and 2020, world agricultural output increased by nearly fourfold with most of the increase in the Global South, while agricultural output in the Global North has remained roughly constant since the 1990s.