Seaweed

Latest News (2023)

• India’s Seaweed Push: The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aims to boost India’s seaweed production to 1.12 million tonnes by 2027, positioning the country as a key player in the global market.

• Global Industry Growth: The $5.6 billion seaweed industry is expanding rapidly, driven by demand for sustainable resources in food, cosmetics, and biofuels.

• Climate Focus: Seaweed’s role in carbon sequestration and reducing ocean acidification is gaining attention as a climate mitigation strategy.

What is Seaweed?

• Definition: Marine macroalgae classified into three groups:

  • Red algae (e.g., nori), brown algae (e.g., kelp), and green algae.

• Nutritional Profile: Rich in 54 trace elements, vitamins (A, C, E), iodine, iron, and amino acids.

• Habitat: Grows in coastal regions globally, from tidal zones to deep waters.

Ecological Significance

1. Foundation of Marine Ecosystems:

   • Microscopic seaweeds (phytoplankton) form the base of marine food chains.

   • Kelp forests (giant brown algae) shelter species like fish, crustaceans, and otters.

2. Climate Regulation:

   • Produces 50–70% of Earth’s oxygen via photosynthesis.

   • Absorbs CO₂ (up to 20x more per acre than land forests), mitigating ocean acidification.

Economic & Environmental Benefits

• Sustainable Agriculture:

  • Requires no land, freshwater, fertilizers, or pesticides.

  • Grows rapidly (up to 30 cm/day for some species).

• Industrial Applications:

  • Food: Used in sushi, soups, and snacks (e.g., nori, kombu).

  • Pharmaceuticals: Source of anti-inflammatory and antiviral compounds.

  • Biofuels: Converted into ethanol and biogas.

  • Cosmetics: Extracts used in skincare products.

• Livelihoods: Supports coastal communities through farming and processing jobs.

Challenges

1. Environmental Risks:

   • Overharvesting threatens wild seaweed populations.

   • Invasive species or farming practices could disrupt local ecosystems.

2. Market Barriers:

   • Limited infrastructure for processing and distribution in developing nations.

   • Regulatory hurdles for large-scale offshore farms.

Key Takeaways

• Seaweed farming is a triple-win solution: eco-friendly, economically viable, and climate-resilient.

• India’s PMMSY and global investments signal a shift toward ocean-based sustainable development.

• Balancing industrial growth with ecological preservation is critical to avoid ecosystem disruption.

FAQs

1. What is seaweed?

   • Marine algae categorized into red, green, and brown types, used globally in food, medicine, and industry.

2. Why cultivate seaweed?

   • Enhances marine biodiversity, absorbs CO₂, and provides sustainable raw materials.

3. Economic benefits?

   • Creates jobs, replaces synthetic fertilizers, and diversifies coastal economies.

4. Climate mitigation role?

   • Captures carbon, reduces ocean acidification, and supports “blue carbon” initiatives.