Seaweed farming brings significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. It has historically played a major role in many global communities and cultures. Responsible scaling of this industry will promote sustainable development.
Let’s take a look at the history and culture of farming around the world
FARMING IN
Africa
in Africa
Along the coastlines of Tanzania and Zanzibar, seaweed aquaculture provides an important livelihood for coastal women and offers an alternative to over-harvested fisheries.
In South Africa, seaweed is farmed for phycocolloid production, abalone feed, and biogas. The industry positively impacts families and communities.
FARMING IN
the Caribbean
the Caribbean
The Caribbean contains hundreds of species of algae mainly referred to as Sea Moss or Irish Moss. The majority of these species are a classification of Gracilaria or Euchuma.
It is commonly used to improve immune system support, digestive healing, fertility, and sexual performance enhancement.
FARMING IN
Europe
Europe
Some of the earliest evidence of algae harvesting started in Ireland around the 19th century. The algae (Chondrus Chrispus) was used as cattle feed, mattress stuffing, and thickener for coloured inks that are used in printing.
It was also used to treat respiratory ailments like pneumonia and tuberculosis, and became the primary source of nutrition during the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840’s.
FARMING IN
Asia
ASIA
Seaweed has been a staple food in East Asia for over a thousand years, but near-shore cultivation only began in the late 1940s. By 2012, farmed seaweed production reached 24 million tons, with 99% coming from just eight Asian countries, while most coastal nations had yet to start seaweed farming.