Green tides on the Brittany coasts.

For over a decade the European Commission has funded the programs aimed at examining the problems of algae production, their utilization and green tides. COST and BRIDGE have led to publication of two volumes surveying the situation, principally on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Europe. Two presenters of this paper are members of the team and co-authors of the books. The volumes center on Europe, and the presenters have been principally concerned with the eutrophication and the bioconversion of seaweeds. Research has led to a series of proposals to alleviate the accumulation of stranded algae, mostly Ulva, and their disposal or, at least, their partial utilization in agriculture, industry and even energy production. The paper reviews and summarizes their conclusions, several not yet published, putting an accent on the methanization, and draws a parallel with a prevailing situation in south-eastern Florida. Related topics include: anaerobic digestion of Ulva, bioconversion of algae, composting of Ulva, management of eutrophication, and the ?seaweeds? programs of the European Commission.