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3.1.7 Drivers and barriers in the Blue Biotechnology sector Drivers The future potential of marine biotechnology’s contribution to the key societal challenges of sustainable food security, sustainable energy security, environmental health, human health and wellbeing, and the greening of industrial products and processes provides an overarching driver for the sector. The recent emergence of marine biotechnology as an important field has been the result of advances in science and technology over the last decade or so, and in particular genomic and other ‘omic’ sciences which have increased our knowledge and understanding of marine resources. Furthermore, the inventory of marine natural products and genes of commercial interest has grown rapidly in recent years as a result of efforts in bioprospecting. The appropriation of marine genetic resources has also grown with over 18 000 natural products and over 4 900 patents associated with the genes of marine organisms66. Table 3.8 presents the sub-sector specific drivers. 66 Arrieta J, Arnaud-Haond S and Duarte C., 2010, Marine Reserves Special Feature: What lies underneath: Conserving the oceans’ genetic resources. PNAS 2010: 0911897107v1-200911897. Study in support of Impact Assessment work on Blue Biotechnology 31 Table 3.8 Sub-sector Health Cosmetics Food 32

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