The technical document titled “PEGASUS”, an acronym for Phycomorph European Guidelines for a Sustainable Aquaculture of Seaweeds, offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of European seaweed production. This document is a product of Phycomorph, an international network of academic laboratories that aims to address various issues related to macroalgal development.
This dynamic network thrives on consistent gatherings and student exchanges which provide platforms for sharing recent advancements and technical expertise related to sustainable seaweed aquaculture in Europe. The primary objective of Phycomorph is to consolidate the fragmented European research landscape to facilitate significant progression in the understanding of macroalgal reproduction and development.
The Role and Significance of Macroalgae (Seaweeds)
Macroalgae, or seaweeds, are multicellular organisms that primarily inhabit marine or freshwater environments, with some species surviving almost entirely out of water. These plant-like organisms play pivotal roles in coastal ecosystems and are emerging as a promising bioresource for the future. The prevailing global demand for high-value seaweed-derived compounds, used in cosmetics and food industries, adds to this potential.
Like terrestrial plants, seaweeds perform photosynthesis, using light to fix atmospheric carbon dissolved in water. Among the planet’s life forms, they rank as some of the most potent carbon-fixing organisms. Seaweeds display a wide range of sizes, from a few millimeters to up to 50 meters.
Importance of Seaweed Aquaculture
| Areas of Importance | Details |
|---|---|
| Food Security | Seaweed aquaculture can help satisfy the predicted global population of 9 billion by 2050. |
| Environmental Protection | Aids in coastal protection of erosion, bioremediation by pollutant removal and CO2 sequestration. |
| Pharmaceutical and Medical Applications | Showcases antibacterial and antifungal activity, contains compounds with potential cancer-curing properties. |
| Renewable Energy Source | Offers higher energy content and fast growth, complements terrestrial biofuels. |
| Cosmetic Products | Lipid content can be used to produce oils for cosmetic products. |
| Job Creation | Varied employment opportunities, ranging from research to farming and marketing. |
Seaweed Production in India and the Role of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
In India, the seaweed industry has seen considerable growth, with the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) reporting an annual harvest of 30 million tonnes of seaweeds, amounting to €8 billion. The rich seaweed habitat spans the Tamil Nadu and Gujarat coasts and around Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Approximately 60 species out of the nearly 700 varieties of marine algae found in both inter-tidal and deep-water regions of the Indian coast are commercially valuable.
Aquaculture, which involves breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants, is equivalent to farming in water. It provides an environmentally responsible source of food and commercial products, aids in creating healthier habitats, and contributes to the rebuilding of stocks of threatened or endangered species.
Established by the Government of India on February 3, 1947, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare before merging with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1967, CMFRI has emerged as a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute in the world. The ICAR-CMFRI headquarters are located in Kochi, Kerala.