Marine Resources under threat?

Marine extracts are becoming increasingly important within cosmetic products, however improved international policies are needed in order to conserve aquatic genetic resources, according to the Food and Agricultural organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

The cosmetic and pharmaceutical benefits of marine active based elements, most commonly extracted from algae, were highlighted at the In-Cosmetics show in Paris in April this year and can be seen with the influx of product launches over the past few months.

"The rapid expansion of aquaculture and the overexploitation of many capture fisheries have created conditions where irresponsible use of natural resources can result in adverse environmental and social impacts, intersectoral conflicts and unsustainability," according to a paper by FAO's Fisheries and Aquaculture Department to be presented to the Commission on Wednesday.

The biennial meeting of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in Rome is this week bringing together different countries to discuss managing the world's aquatic genetic resources.

Recent Mintel data has shown a flutter of activity in the marine cosmetics sector of late, with manufacturers across the globe creating ranges across the cosmetics and personal care industry.

The paper by the FAO discusses the need for a successful transition to 'more responsible, sustainable, and productive aquaculture and fisheries'. This will in turn lead to effective management of fish resources, whilst also protecting the marine culture that a lot of the natural cosmetics market relies upon.

With some 236 species of plants cultivated on fish farms it could seem that aquatic genetic resources are the way forward. However, the FAO has highlighted concerns about the 'spotty' information that surrounds the resource.

"We know that aquatic environments are changing due to climate change, movement of alien species, human development and other factors, and that species will need to adapt to survive -- genetic diversity will help with the adaptation" said Devin Bartley, a fish geneticist with FAO.

"If we're going to come up with the policies and management approaches required to respond to these challenges, we need more information, and we need to increase our capacity to use it".

With many cosmetic manufacturers, such as Chanel, focusing on Marine extracts as a key ingredient in product ranges, the sustainability of its natural habitat will no doubt be a pressing worry.

German ingredient provider Symrise has recently partnered with Italian biotech company to focus on the development of microalgae.

Researching mainly the dysfunctions of the hair and skin, Symrise will make use of the six scientists and two application technologists that make up the Italian company, combining their knowledge in order to consolidate and further its position as the fourth leading flavours and fragrance provider worldwide.