GoJelly delivered 49 scientific articles and reports (deliverables), some of which with exceptionally high-impact potential. The main results achieved in this PR are as follows:
1. over 1.5 tons of JF biomass was harvested. We published a paper on JF fishery. Jellyfish farming was discussed with an entrepreneur (e.g. Jellyfish Farm).
2. delivered documents on the optimization of numerous protocols for the handling and processing of JF biomass.
3. submitted a provisional patent on the efficacy of mucin extracted from jellyfish in flocculating micro-and nano-plastic particles in solution (Provisional Patent Application No. 63/114,808). We extend the current state-of-the-art in knowledge on jellyfish mucus extraction and characterization by studying three additional jellyfish species rather than the common moon jelly.
4. tested the variety of jellyfish biomass for a different line of products such as a fertilizer additive, aquafeed, as a source of collagen within cosmetics, of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumoral cytotoxic peptides, well as a potential supplement to Western-style diets. Furthermore, two patents on JF biomass processing for human consumption were deposited, whilst recipes for JF based foods were published in the form of a cookbook.
5. a substantial number of peer-reviewed publications were achieved through stakeholder consultations.
6. started to run an analysis on the economic feasibility of our GoJelly mucin-derived biofilter and refitting fishing boats to include jellyfish within their target species.
7. performed a high-quality CDE implemented through media presence (e.g. Euronews and BBC), numbers of Twitter and Facebook participation in an international policy-making event, trade fairs, seminars and conferences, among others. In total, we took part in 34 events in 2020 under the circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
8. Jellyfish Risk map was published recently, as a tool to predict JF blooms. This risk map is backed up by the population matrix model, genetic studies, hydrodynamic models, and citizen science through the JellySpotter App.
9. Market research was carried out and consumer behaviour through jellyfish-based products was assessed.
Conclusion
two patents were filed: one to capture nano and microplastic from WWMP and the other to process JF biomass for food production. We compiled a data bank on jellyfish-related factors and developed a forecasting tool based on both citizen science activities (Jelly Spotter App), drone spotting, genetic population studies and oceanographic data. An innovative cage (Flow2Vortex) was introduced to the low trophic aquaculture business field. GoJelly demonstrated the ability to produce a variety of products from one single source (food, feed, agriculture, nutraceuticals and cosmetics) thus contributing significantly to any future circular economic growth. The project had a significant contribution to the public mind on both jellyfish and marine debris.
