In recent news, two new red algal seaweed species have been discovered along India’s extensive coastline, which stretches over 7,500 kms. These novel findings increase the total known seaweed species from 61 to 63. The importance of seaweeds in both commercial and ecological pursuits is increasingly being recognized.
New Seaweed Species Discovered
The two newly identified species thrive in the intertidal regions of the coast — the area submerged during high tide and exposed during low tides. They belong to the genus Hypnea, consisting of calcareous, erect, branched red seaweeds. Prior to the discovery, 10 Hypnea species were reported in India. One of the new species, Hypnea indica, was found in Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, and Somnath Pathan and Sivrajpur in Gujarat. The other, Hypnea bullata, was discovered in Kanyakumari and the Diu island of Daman and Diu.
Commercial Significance
Seaweeds from the Hypnea genus, given their bioactive compound Carrageenan, hold high potential for commercial-scale cultivation. This biomolecule is commonly used in the food industry, pointing towards a profitable market.
Seaweeds: Primitive Marine Algae
Seaweeds are the primitive, marine non-flowering algae without root, stem, or leaves, and they contribute significantly to marine ecosystems. Large seaweeds form dense underwater forests known as kelp forests, providing a nursery environment for multiple marine organisms such as fish, snails, and sea urchins. Seaweeds are predominantly found in intertidal regions, shallow and deep waters of the sea, and also in estuaries and backwaters. The southern Gulf of Mannar’s rocky intertidal and lower intertidal regions are known for a rich population of several seaweed species.
Ecological Importance
Seaweeds are critical to ecological balance and serve as bioindicators. They absorb excess nutrients in the ocean resulting from agriculture, industrial waste, aquaculture, and households, thereby preventing damaging algal blooming caused by nutrient imbalances. Seaweeds also act as ‘Iron Sequestrators’, trapping iron when it reaches levels detrimental to marine life. They perform a similar role with most heavy metals in marine ecosystems.
In addition, seaweeds contribute as oxygen and nutrient suppliers. They derive nutrition through photosynthesis and release oxygen throughout their bodies while supplying organic nutrients to other marine life forms.
Seaweeds have a significant role in climate mitigation. Afforesting 9% of the ocean with seaweed could sequester 53 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, leading to proposals for ‘ocean afforestation’ or seaweed farming.
Other Utilities and Related Initiatives
Besides its ecological and commercial significance, seaweeds can be used as fertilizers, to increase aquaculture production, and to combat beach erosion. When livestock is fed seaweed, methane emissions from cattle may reduce substantially. They are also used in toothpaste, cosmetics, and paint production. Recognizing these potentials, the Technology Information, Forecasting, and Assessment Council (TIFAC) recently launched a Seaweed Mission.
