Seaweed in India: Serving as A Boon for Ecosystem and Fishermen

Growing seaweed has become a realistic option for India's low-income coastal villages to improve their economic situation. Gujarat is currently expanding its commercial production of Kappaphycus alvarezii, which has already reached six coastal districts in Tamil Nadu. The CMFRI has effectively standardized the practice of Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) which permits cage farming or bivalve farming combined with seaweed farming in coastal waters. Due to their global distribution, ability to regenerate and variety of uses, seaweeds have recently gained significant importance. Seaweeds exhibit highest photosynthesis efficiency due to moist conditions. They contribute to about 50% of all photosynthesis in the world.