„No One Will Spend Their Vacation There“

Toxic brown algae pose a threat to the world’s oceans as well as tourism. A man from Munich is determined to solve the problem—but it comes at a tremendous cost. Who is supporting Pascal Gerdsmeier in his mission?

 

AZ: Mr. Gerdsmeier, how on earth does a Munich resident come up with the idea of founding an organization in Monaco to save the oceans?

PASCAL GERDSMEIER: Good question! (laughs) You should know that my grandparents lived in Monaco, so I have a connection to the place. I also studied and lived there for a while myself.

Sounds romantic. But how do you plan to save the world’s oceans from Schwabing?

From my former apartment in Monaco, I had a view of the harbor and watched ships come and go every day. Maybe, as a German, I see things from a different perspective: environmental and nature conservation are close to my heart—just like for Prince Albert, who established his own foundation and is committed to the well-being of the world. A few years ago, when I spoke with people working on large ships, boats, and yachts, they told me: the ocean’s condition is getting worse and worse.

Sounds like a red alert. And then?

Then I asked them what they were doing about it. They just shrugged. I don’t know if they didn’t care—I only know that they weren’t doing anything.

Where this toxic algae species is already a problem

And that’s why, in 2023, you founded a non-profit organization…

… Circular Waves, where I am co-founder and president. With this concept in mind, I went straight to the Technical University of Munich. I told the experts about my idea: collecting plastic with a ship and converting it into hydrogen to generate energy. They listened carefully.

But?

They made it clear to me that plastic is a problem—but not the biggest one. The biggest threat, they said, is invasive brown algae. It’s the worst issue of all. If they continue spreading at this rate, the scientists told me, they will destabilize the entire balance of marine ecosystems.

Why Are Brown Algae Such a Big Problem?

This toxic algae species was introduced through shipping traffic and is spreading like crazy. It has multiplied in enormous quantities off almost every coast and in key fishing regions—across the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, Australia, and South America.

Why These Algae Are So Harmful

In the Alps, the bark beetle is destroying forests. That I can understand. But why are brown algae so dangerous?

Brown algae spread like a massive carpet on the water’s surface, blocking sunlight, releasing toxins, and poisoning the local ecosystem. They displace native species, especially seagrass meadows—vital nurseries for numerous marine creatures—which then die off. The oxygen levels in the water drop, leading to mass fish deaths. It looks like a scene from The Day After Tomorrow down there. It’s a catastrophe for marine life—and for humans too.

How Can Brown Algae in the Ocean Threaten People on Land?

In some regions, fishing is the only source of income for the local population. Many coastal areas rely on tourism and their harbors. But shipping, fishing, and tourism are all severely impacted by the brown algae plague. The damage is enormous.

Can You Explain That in More Detail?

Fishermen who can no longer fish lose their jobs. The same goes for people working in holiday destinations—hotels, restaurants, guesthouses. No one wants to spend their beach vacation where toxic sludge is floating in the water and washing up onshore. That’s what I mean by ecological and economic damage.

According to experts I’ve spoken with, the situation is currently especially severe in places like Tulum, Mexico, Florida, South America, and along the African coast. My goal is to finally present real solutions.

„The Scientists Have the Knowledge, I Have the Global Network“

And you think you can do that?

Not alone—but my development partner is the Technical University of Munich. The scientists have the expertise, and I have the global network. From the beginning, it was clear to both the TU Munich team—comprising numerous experts and researchers—and myself that we could only succeed together. Alone, we wouldn’t stand a chance. When I explain it like this, it almost sounds like The Swarm by Frank Schätzing (laughs).

What Is the Concrete Solution?

Right now, we are working hard to attract investors, donors, sponsors, and project financiers to fund the boats we want to build. So, what does that look like in practice?

In the first phase, we plan to construct a 90-meter-long vessel and a smaller, nearly 30-meter-long yacht. These will be deployed in the affected regions to collect and remove the brown algae carpets from the water. But the first step is to develop the technology and build the boats.

How Much Does One of These Boats Cost?

The smaller one costs nearly €28 million, while the larger one is almost €90 million. On top of that, we need about €50 million just for the laboratory alone.

„We Need a Proper Fleet“

That’s a lot.

And even that’s not enough—if we really want to tackle this issue, and by really, I mean properly, we need an entire fleet.

What Do You Tell Potential Investors?

That if they want to help the environment and our planet, they’re in the right place. I’m confident that in the next four to five years, we’ll have a boat capable of collecting the algae.

„Only Algae Get Sucked In, No Turtles“

Like in the 1980s video game Pac-Man?

(Laughs) Exactly. A hatch opens in the front—snap, snap—hatch closes. But not everything gets sucked in, only algae—no turtles.

Once we’ve collected them, we process them. Some of the biomass is converted into hydrogen directly on the boat. The rest is taken to land and „processed“ into energy—that’s the technical term.

From Algae to Syngas or Methanol – But That’s Just the Beginning

And what are the other possibilities?

Everything is possible: Brown algae can serve as a base for numerous platform chemicals, be processed into fertilizer or animal feed. I refer to scientists who are much more competent than I am. They say that algae can also be used to produce biopolymers, which are used in 3D printing or as packaging materials. What I’m especially proud of is our onboard laboratory.

„I Envision an Entire Innovation Platform“

Why does a floating waste incineration plant need a lab?

So that we can analyze and utilize the geodetic ocean data we collect. Look, collecting brown algae from the seas is one thing. But if we’re investing so much money into development, I want to make sure we get even more out of it.

What exactly do you mean?

What I envision is an entire innovation platform. If we can turn stinking brown algae into energy, there must be other ways to use that technology.

One example: The hundreds of tons of waste on cruise ships could, in my opinion, be converted into energy directly on deck. And that’s just one idea—I can think of many more. But the truth is, what I’m telling you isn’t exclusive. Many scientists have already told me the same thing.

„So: No Diesel!“

But?

I have never seen a university that has actually brought its incredible knowledge and potential into action. They know everything and theoretically have the perfect solution for every problem—but they often fail when it comes to implementation.

With our platform, any company will be able to purchase parts of our high-tech modular system and use them individually. For our investors, the most important thing is that we are already meeting the United Nations‘ sustainability goals today.

Because my concept envisions that these boats will generate energy through circular technologies—without relying on diesel!

What Does That Mean in Concrete Terms?

Specifically, it means that the boats will run on hydrogen, fuel cells, wind turbines, and floating solar panels. In other words: No diesel!

A High-Profile Network – Including Professional Sailor Boris Herrmann

Boris?

Yes, Boris Herrmann, the German professional sailor. He has just returned from his sixth circumnavigation of the world. In 2020, he competed in the Vendée Globe for the second time. In sailing circles, this is considered the „Mount Everest of the Seas“—an extreme and dangerous race where competitors must sail 25,000 nautical miles (46,300 km) alone, without any outside assistance.

Boris is a friend of mine, and he wrote a fantastic book called „Kurs auf Klimaschutz“ (Course for Climate Protection) together with his wife. I think it’s great.

I can also easily imagine bringing children on board our research ship, „Circular Waves“, to educate them about ocean pollution firsthand.

Are You Perhaps a Bit of a Naïve Idealist?

If it means saving animals, plants, and people? Why not?

Not everyone will like my concept. But no one can criticize me and say that I haven’t done my part for the world. Because I do—seven days a week.