Mariculture of economically important seaweed and its utilization for the development of high-value products

Jayasankar, Reeta (2024) Mariculture of economically important seaweed and its utilization for the development of high-value products. In: Course Manual: ICAR Winter School on Harnessing Recent Advances in High-Value Compound Development and Seaweed Biomass Utilization for Human Well-being: Propelling Atmanirbhar Swastha Bharat and Empowering Farmers 15th February to 06th March 2024. CMFRI Training Manual Series (38). ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, pp. 328-347.

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Abstract

Seaweeds, classified as marine macroalgae, are integral components of marine ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity and providing numerous benefits. This text explores the diversity of seaweeds, with approximately 7000 red algae, 2000 brown algae, 1800 green algae, and 1500 blue-green algae species. Despite lacking specialized vascular systems and enclosed reproductive structures, seaweeds exhibit remarkable adaptability and contribute significantly to marine environments. Classified into three major groups based on pigmentation (Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta, and Rhodophyta), seaweeds employ photosynthesis using various pigments to convert solar energy into chemical energy. Their distribution in the ocean varies by depth, with red, green, and brown algae thriving in different zones. Taxonomically, seaweeds are classified based on pigment type, reserve food material, cell wall composition, flagella characteristics, and cell structure. Despite approximately 12,000 known seaweed species globally, only a fraction, about 0.1%, are commercially farmed, with Asia, especially China, dominating production. Seaweeds offer diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and bioremediation. The recent rise in seaweed cultivation is driven by its sustainability, adaptability, and economic potential. Seaweeds are rich sources of bioactive compounds, explored in industries such as skincare, biofertilizers, and bioremediation. Additionally, seaweed cultivation presents opportunities for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.

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