SEAWEED

SEAWEED

Subject :Environment

Context : India is aiming to increase seaweed production in the country to 11.5 lakh tonnes from the current production levels of 2,500 tonnes in the next five years.

Concept :

• Seaweeds are also known as Macroalgae. They constitute several species of marine plants and algae.
• Seaweeds may also include Red, Green and Brown algae.
• Seaweeds can grow in ocean, rivers, lakes and other water bodies. There are many types of seaweeds such as nori and laver seaweed.
• They belong to different groups on the basis of thallus color

Green algae– such as sea lettuce or ulva, and sea grapes..

Brown algae– such as kombu, arame, kelp, and wakame (the miso soup with seaweed).

Red algae– such as dulse, laver, and nori (the sushi seaweed).

Blue-green algae- such as spirulina and chlorella.

Characteristics of Seaweeds

• Seaweeds are macroscopic and multicellular organisms.
• Some species of seaweeds are microscopic such as phytoplankton.
• Seaweed can be as small as the one-celled phytoplankton or as large as giant kelp.
• Even though seaweeds are not categorised as plants, it also requires light, water and nutrition for the growth and sustenance.

Advantages of Seaweeds-

• Nutrients affluent– Seaweed can provide important nutrients as it is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and can be tasty.
• Medicinal use– Many seaweeds contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents and it can be used as a medicinal plant.
• Cancer Fighting agents- Certain seaweeds do, in fact, possess powerful cancer-fighting agents that researchers hope will eventually prove effective in the treatment of malignant tumors and leukemia in people.
• Industrial use– Among their many uses in manufacturing, they are effective binding agents (emulsifiers) in such commercial goods as toothpaste and fruit jelly, and popular softeners (emollients) in organic cosmetics and skin-care products.

Seaweed farming

• Seaweed farming is the practice of cultivating and harvesting seaweed. In its simplest form, it consists of the management of naturally found batches. In its most advanced form, it consists of fully controlling the life cycle of the algae.
• Seaweed farming has frequently been developed as an alternative to improve economic conditions and to reduce fishing pressure and over exploited fisheries.