National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation
Source: PIB
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Overview
- News in Brief
- About Seaweed and Distribution
- Seaweeds Beds in India
Why in the News?
National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation was recently held in Gujarat’s Kutch region at Koteshwar (Kori Creek).
News in Brief
- Its goal was to establish seaweed farming throughout India, focusing on encouraging the practice to increase fish farmers’ income and diversify their marine output.
About Seaweed and Distribution
- Seaweeds, often called macroalgae, are a broad category of photosynthetic organisms that are found in abundance in marine habitats.
- Seaweeds are found in many habitats throughout the world’s oceans, ranging from deep-sea ecosystems to intertidal zones.
- Several variables, including temperature, light availability, nutrient levels, and substrate type, affect the spread of seaweeds.
- Seaweeds hold immense ecological significance, contributing to the health and functioning of marine ecosystems in several ways.
- Absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
- Provide habitat and shelter for a diverse array of marine organisms.
- Play a vital role in nutrient cycling within marine ecosystems.
- Seaweeds help stabilize coastlines by reducing the impact of waves and storms.
Seaweeds Beds in India
- The beaches of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, as well as the area surrounding Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, are rich in seaweed resources.
- There are notable seaweed beds around Mumbai, Goa, Varkala, Karwar, Vizhinjam, and Pulicat in Tamil Nadu, Ratnagiri, Andhra Pradesh, and Chilka in Orissa.
What are the challenges for Seaweed?
- Environmental Stressors: Seaweed cultivation can be susceptible to environmental stressors such as temperature fluctuations, changes in water quality, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events. These stressors can affect the growth, health, and survival of seaweed crops.
- Competing Species and Predation: Seaweeds are often in competition with other marine organisms for space, nutrients, and sunlight. Herbivorous marine animals like sea urchins and certain fish species may also feed on seaweed, leading to biomass loss and crop damage.
- Disease and Pathogens: Seaweed farms can be vulnerable to diseases and pathogens that affect seaweed health and productivity. Diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens can spread rapidly within seaweed populations, leading to crop losses.
- Invasive Species: Invasive species, both marine and terrestrial, can pose a threat to native seaweed species and ecosystems. Invasive seaweeds may outcompete native species for resources or alter habitat dynamics, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
- Pollution and Contamination: Pollution from industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and marine debris can adversely affect seaweed growth and quality. Contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics can accumulate in seaweed tissues, posing risks to human health and the environment.
- Overharvesting and Unsustainable Harvest Practices: Unsustainable harvesting practices, including overharvesting and destructive harvesting methods, can deplete natural seaweed populations and disrupt marine ecosystems. Sustainable management practices, including regulation of harvesting quotas and implementation of protected areas, are essential for preserving seaweed biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
- Regulatory and Legal Challenges: Regulatory frameworks governing seaweed cultivation, harvesting, and trade can vary widely between countries and regions. Lack of clear regulations, inconsistent enforcement, and bureaucratic barriers can hinder sustainable seaweed farming and commercialization efforts.
- Market Demand and Economic Viability: Despite the growing interest in seaweed-based products and applications, challenges related to market demand, price volatility, supply chain logistics, and infrastructure development can affect the economic viability of seaweed cultivation ventures
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