The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in India has made plans to establish a seaweed park in Tamil Nadu to increase the income of the local fishermen community. A space for an exclusive Special Economic Zone for seaweed cultivation has been proposed in Tamil Nadu. This is a continuation of the Seaweed Mission, launched by the Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) in 2021.
The Identity of Seaweed
Seaweeds are essentially marine algae that do not have flowers, roots, stems, or leaves but play a crucial part in marine ecosystems. They form dense underwater forests known as kelp forests, serving as marine nurseries for various marine life such as fish, snails, and sea urchins. There are various species of seaweeds including Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria edulis, Gracilaria crassa, Gracilaria verrucosa, Sargassum spp., and Turbinaria spp.
The Nutritional and Medicinal Benefits of Seaweeds
Seaweed provides numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and can be made into tasty dishes. Many types of seaweeds contain anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Their medicinal benefits have been known and used for centuries. Some seaweeds also contain potent cancer-fighting agents which have the potential for treating malignant tumors and leukemia.
Seaweeds for Economic Growth
Apart from its health benefits, seaweed also contributes significantly to economic growth. They serve as effective binding agents in the manufacturing of commercial goods like toothpaste and fruit jelly, and they are popular softeners in organic cosmetics and skin-care products.
Seaweeds as Bioindicators and Iron Sequestrators
Seaweeds help maintain the balance in marine ecosystems. They absorb excess nutrients resulting from waste materials emptied into the sea from various sources, thus preventing algal blooming which signals chemical damage in the ocean. They also sequester excess iron, a mineral necessary for their photosynthesis, which, if present in excessive amounts, can endanger marine life. Seaweeds also trap and remove most heavy metals found in marine ecosystems.
Seaweeds as Oxygen and Nutrient Suppliers
Seaweeds obtain nutrition through photosynthesis under sunlight using nutrients present in seawater. They release oxygen throughout their bodies and supply organic nutrients to other marine organisms.
The Process and Importance of Seaweed Farming
Seaweed farming involves the cultivation and harvesting of seaweed. It could be as simple as managing naturally found batches, or as advanced as controlling the entire life cycle of the algae. Seaweeds are typically abundant along the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat and around Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
By estimates, cultivating seaweed in 10 million hectares or 5% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) could provide employment to 50 million people, give birth to a new seaweed industry, contribute to the national GDP, increase ocean productivity, control algal blooms, sequester several tons of CO2, and produce up to 6.6 billion litres of bioethanol.
