Seaweed Production Research Articles

A resilience lens to explore seaweed farmers’ responses to the impacts of climate change in Tanzania

ABSTRACT Seaweed-based mariculture is an important source of livelihoods for impoverished coastal communities in Tanzania. However, the impacts of climate change across East Africa are putting a strain on the growth of the seaweed industry. Smallholder farmers are already mobilizing strategies to cope with challenges such as disease outbreaks, but they are struggling to maintain seaweed production and derive sufficient income. A better understanding of the challenges they face and the factors inhibiting their ability to build resilience is needed to inform policies and development programmes to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13 on Climate action and Goal 14 on Life Below Water. The global demand for seaweed is expanding rapidly. Strengthening the adaptability of seaweed production to climate change is important for farmers to rely on it as a source of livelihoods on which they can build their own resilience to climate change. Drawing on qualitative data from key informant interviews in four Tanzanian seaweed-producing areas, this paper assesses the long-term resilience capacities of seaweed farmers to respond to one of the main hazards: diseases affecting seaweed crops. While several strategies help farmers maintain their income, most of them only support resilience in the short term. The increasing pressure on marine resources and the lack of regulations for supporting an equitable and sustainable seaweed-based mariculture sector do not bode well for farmers’ long-term adaptation to climate change and environmental degradation. Seaweed farming remains a crucial source of livelihoods for poor coastal communities in Tanzania, but it does not currently lead to positive transformative changes in their socio-economic conditions. Policies aiming to support sustainable aquaculture, particularly in tropical ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to climate change, must address the existing social, economic and knowledge inequities that prevent poor communities from building their resilience.

Optimisation of at-sea culture and harvest conditions for cultivated Macrocystis pyrifera: yield, biofouling and biochemical composition of cultured biomass

Seaweed cultivation is gaining interest world-wide for both food and non-food applications. Global seaweed aquaculture production currently exceeds 32 Mt WW per annum but is dominated (86% of total) by Asian countries. To meet future demand for seaweed products, regions beyond Asia with aquaculture production potential are being explored. The goal of this study was to assess the suitability of the native kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales), for aquaculture in Tasmania, south-eastern Australia. M. pyrifera was cultivated on seeded twine on loops (1 – 5 m depth) along 100-m longlines at two sites (Okehampton Bay and Great Taylor Bay) from April-November 2020. Temporal and spatial variability in (1) yield (kg m-1, WW), (2) biofouling (% coverage), and (3) biochemical composition (including proximate composition, fatty acids, dietary minerals, heavy metal profiling, C, N, H, S concentrations and C:N ratio, antioxidants (phenolic compounds), and pigments (Chl-a, Chl-c, fucoxanthin)) was compared amongst the two cultivation sites, at two depths (1 and 5 m) from harvests between July – November 2020. Yield (kg m-1, WW) did not significantly change across harvest times, but was greater at a depth of 1 m compared to 5 m. Biofouling on the kelp blades increased significantly in early spring (September). The biochemical composition of the cultured biomass varied over time, between sites and with depth for most of the compounds analysed. Higher lipid, protein and ash content was reported for cultures cultivated at Okehampton Bay compared to Great Taylor Bay and at 5 m compared to 1 m depth, and levels of these macronutrients decreased during the harvest period. The iodine content was slightly above the tolerable content for dried seaweed products in Australia and New Zealand. The combined results of yield, biofouling, and biochemical composition suggest that, for an April deployment at the sites investigated, M. pyrifera should be harvested in July-August (mid to late winter) to optimise yield and quality of the cultured kelp biomass. These findings provide a better understanding of the variation in growth and quality of cultivated M. pyrifera biomass in the region, and inform future management and development of kelp aquaculture in south-eastern Australia and in a global context.

Arsenic species and their health risks in edible seaweeds collected along the Chinese coastline

Edible seaweeds with a relatively high total arsenic concentration have been a global concern. As the largest seaweed producer, China contributes about 60 % of the global seaweed production. The present study investigated 20 seaweed species collected from representative seaweed farming sites in the six provinces along the Chinese coastline, of which Saccharina japonica, Undaria pinnatifida, Neopyropia spp., Gracilaria spp., Sargassum fusiforme were listed as the most consumed seaweeds in Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The inorganic arsenic (iAs) concentration in most of the seaweeds was below maximum limits (0.3 mg iAs/kg) as seaweed additives for infant food in the National Food Safety Standard of Pollutants in China (GB2762-2017, 2017), except for the species Sargassum, in which the iAs concentration significantly exceeded the limit and ranged from 15.1 to 83.7 mg/kg. Arsenic speciation in 4 cultivated seaweeds grown in both temperate and subtropical zones is reported for the first time. No significant differences in total As and iAs concentration were identified, except slightly higher total As concentration were found in Saccharina japonica growing in the temperate zone. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of toxic iAs via seaweed consumption was generally below the EFSA CONTAM Panel benchmark dose lower confidence limit (0.3 μg/kg bw/day) except for all Sargassum species where the EDI was significantly higher than 0.3 μg/kg bw/day. Moreover, the first-ever reported data on As speciation indicated very high iAs concentrations in Sargassum hemiphyllum and Sargassum henslowianum. To minimize the food chain iAs exposure, reducing both human intake of Sargassum spp. and the used of Sargassum spp. for animal feed is highly recommended. CapsuleThis study showed that edible seaweed Sargassum spp. consumption may pose a health risk related to inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure. The risk of iAs exposure via seaweed consumption or livestock is a concern that needs to be monitored. The arsenic accumulation and speciation may be predominantly species-dependent rather than environmental-dependent.

Enrichment of nutritional compounds in seaweeds via abiotic stressors in integrated aquaculture

Seaweeds may contain significant amounts of essential proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals, offering an alternative, sustainable, healthy food source from the sea. However, there are yet challenges impending their full exploitation. Our study presents an innovative, two-step aquaculture approach integrating seaweeds and finfish, dedicated to enrich seaweeds with nutritional compounds. The approach involves diverting fish effluents rich in nutrients into a series of seaweed cultivation tanks. Then, the seaweeds were exposed to short-term abiotic stressors (namely, high irradiance, nutrient starvation, and high salinity) to stimulate synthesis of desired ingredients in their tissues. Our methodology enabled high growth rates of up to 25% seaweed biomass increase per day, with significant enhancements in the amount of protein, starch, and minerals within days. Moreover, the seaweeds presented elevated bioremediation capabilities assimilating the ammonia nitrogen, NO3 and PO4 with high uptake rates, and with 50–75% removal efficiencies. Industrial relevanceThe rising public awareness to quality of healthier food products has stimulated growing demand for seaweed supply. Our new approach suggests a promising direction toward the transition from seaweed production of raw, commodity seaweed biomass, to a tailored production of functional seaweeds, enriched with valued compounds that can be utilized in the emerging food and health industries.

PENGEMBANGAN USAHA BUDIDAYA RUMPUT LAUT DI DESA NURUWE KABUPATEN SERAM BAGIAN BARAT

This study aims to examine the development of seaweed cultivation in Nuruwe Village, West Seram Regency. Primary data were collected through 4 respondents in the cultivation group with direct interviews and direct field observations of the object under study. Data were analyzed using qualitative analysis methods, namely productivity analysis, growth analysis, income analysis and financial ratios (BEP, ROI, R/C) and development strategy through SWOT and AHP analysis. The results showed that seaweed production was classified as productive, the absolute growth of seaweed had increased, seaweed cultivation was feasible to be developed and the development strategy resulted in 6 priority strategies, namely a). First Priority: Establishment of Seaweed Cultivation Institution b). Second Priority: Improving Cultivation Facilities and Infrastructure c). Third Priority: Water Conservation and Law Enforcement d). Fourth Priority: Seaweed Cultivation Technical Training e). Fifth Priority: Enlarging Cultivation Business f). Sixth Priority: Increased Seaweed Production.

Use of Brown Seaweed Extracts as Bio-fertilizers and their Effects on the Carrageenan Yield, Ice-ice Disease Occurrence, and Growth Rate of the Red Seaweed Kappaphycus striatus

Kappaphycus striatus is one of the most important eucheumatoid species that is widely farmed worldwide. In the southern Philippines, where the initial farm was established, sluggish growth of farmed Kappaphycus species brought about by the poor quality of planting materials and extensive farming resulting in unproductive farms and frequent ice-ice outbreaks have been a hindrance in increasing the seaweed production. As a result, farmers have led to the application of inorganic fertilizers as nutrient enrichment for Kappaphycus. However, inorganic or chemical fertilizers always pose negative impacts on the environment. Hence, in this study, a preliminary investigation on the potential use of extracts of brown seaweeds Sargassum cristaefolium and Turbinaria conoides as bio-fertilizers was tested on K. striatus for their growth rate, carrageenan yield, and ice-ice disease occurrence. Seaweed liquid extracts (SLE): S. cristaefolium (SC), T. conoides (TC), combination of SC and TC (MX), and control (C) were utilized as bio-fertilizers for K. striatus. SLE-enriched K. striatus seedlings were cultivated in a seaweed farm using the fixed-off bottom method for 45 days. Results revealed that the specific growth rates of all SLE treatments were significantly higher than no SLE treatment at day 45. The percentage of ice-ice disease and the yield of carrageenan did not differ among treatments. Enrichment of K. striatus using SLE of two selected brown seaweeds before out-planting could improve growth rates while not affecting the ice-ice disease occurrence and carrageenan yield. Hence, formulated SLE from brown seaweeds S. cristaefolium and T. conoides can be used as potential bio-fertilizers for Kappaphycus cultivation.

EXPONENTIAL COMPARISON METHOD AND TFN FOR SELECTION OF REGIONAL SUPERIOR PRODUCTS BASED ON PROCESSED SEAWEED

Determining superior regional products is expected to increase competitiveness and absorb labor, improving peoples income.The processed seaweed products are identified and selected using an exponential comparison approach with TFN.Alternative assessment of superior seaweed processed products in this area uses 12 criteria and 27 sub-criteria, with alternative seaweed processed products being unprocessed food, processed culinary ingredient, processed food, and ultra-processed food. Theresult is that unprocessed food is the best alternative, with a score of 0.030.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN BUDIDAYA RUMPUT LAUT DI WILAYAH PESISIR KECAMATAN SUPPA KABUPATEN PINRANG

The purpose of this research is to analyze the development strategy of seaweed cultivation to increase seaweed production in the coastal area of Suppa District, Pinrang Regency. This research was conducted in the coastal area of Supa District, Pinrang Regency from May to December 2021. Data collection methods include observations, interviews and documents. The data analysis used is a SWOT analysis. The results showed that the main factors for developing seaweed cultivation business strategies to increase production in the coastal areas of Suppa District, Pinrang Regency, are a) development of aquaculture, b) providing training in stages, c) providing consultations, d) optimizing existing production capacity, e) Expanding planting areas, f) optimizing production, g) increasing funding, h) expanding and maintaining marketing networks.

Analisis Daya Saing Ekspor Rumput Laut Olahan Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the main exporters of seaweed in the world market. Seaweed traded consists of raw products and processed products. Processed seaweed products are in the form of gelatin with HS code 130231 and carrageenan with HS code 130239. The high demand and value of processed seaweed products is an opportunity for Indonesia. The total world demand for agar in 2018 was 275,188,000. US$ increased 4.9 percent from the previous year, while carrageenan in 2018 had total world demand amounted to 1,131,820,000 US$, an increase of 8.4 percent from the previous year (ITC, 2019). This research aimed to analyze the competitiveness of processed seaweed and determine policies to increase Indonesian processed seaweed exports in the world market. The data in this study used secondary data. The competitiveness of processed Indonesian seaweed products is measured using Revealed Comparative Analysis (RCA) and Export Product Dynamic (EPD). The results of the analysis showed that processed Indonesian seaweed in the form of carrageenan and agar has comparative competitiveness in the world market. The position of competitiveness in the main destination countries with rising star status has strong competitiveness, but the increasing demand for processed seaweed in the world has caused Indonesia to lose the opportunity to optimize its profits. Indonesia needs to increase the quantity of processed seaweed exports in the form of carrageenan and agar by encouraging domestic investment to develop the seaweed processing industry sector.

Economic Feasibility Analysis, Value Added and Marketing of Semi Refined Carrageenan (SRC) Seaweed Processing Industry

Dried seaweed produced by the community in three districts (Morowali, Parigi, and Bangkep) is the final product at the level of seaweed cultivators. They do not yet know about processing seaweed into SRC or gelatin. The research was conducted in Central Sulawesi Province by taking data on the 3 largest seaweed producing districts, namely Banggai Islands Regency, Morowali Regency and Parimo Regency. The main objective of this research is to formulate a strategic plan for the management of seaweed agribusiness through SRC agroindustry and to make it community-based in Central Sulawesi Province. The specific objectives include: Estimating land potential and seaweed production in Bangkep, Morowali, and Parimo Districts, Analyzing the land suitability of locations that are centers of seaweed cultivation in Bangkep, Morowali, and Parimo Districts, Analyzing the economic feasibility of SRC agro-industry and To be medium-scale, to develop a strategy for managing seaweed agribusiness through SRC agro-industry and agar in Central Sulawesi Province, and to empower communities through mentoring in SRC processing training and for the community, especially seaweed cultivators in Bangkep Regency, Morowali Regency and Parimo Regency. The need for primary data on water quality, potential and seaweed production is carried out by survey method by taking samples directly in the field by purposive sampling, namely sampling with certain considerations, sampling only at the cultivation location and simple random sampling, namely taking sample members. from the population randomly without regard to strata and is considered homogeneous in the population. The business feasibility analysis data, seaweed processing technology, and socio-economic data were carried out by direct interviews with structured questionnaires.

Economic Feasibility Analysis, Value Added and Marketing of Semi Refined Carrageenan (SRC) Seaweed Processing Industry

Dried seaweed produced by the community in three districts (Morowali, Parigi, and Bangkep) is the final product at the level of seaweed cultivators. They do not yet know about processing seaweed into SRC or gelatin. The research was conducted in Central Sulawesi Province by taking data on the 3 largest seaweed producing districts, namely Banggai Islands Regency, Morowali Regency and Parimo Regency. The main objective of this research is to formulate a strategic plan for the management of seaweed agribusiness through SRC agroindustry and to make it community-based in Central Sulawesi Province. The specific objectives include: Estimating land potential and seaweed production in Bangkep, Morowali, and Parimo Districts, Analyzing the land suitability of locations that are centers of seaweed cultivation in Bangkep, Morowali, and Parimo Districts, Analyzing the economic feasibility of SRC agro-industry and To be medium-scale, to develop a strategy for managing seaweed agribusiness through SRC agro-industry and agar in Central Sulawesi Province, and to empower communities through mentoring in SRC processing training and for the community, especially seaweed cultivators in Bangkep Regency, Morowali Regency and Parimo Regency. The need for primary data on water quality, potential and seaweed production is carried out by survey method by taking samples directly in the field by purposive sampling, namely sampling with certain considerations, sampling only at the cultivation location and simple random sampling, namely taking sample members. from the population randomly without regard to strata and is considered homogeneous in the population. The business feasibility analysis data, seaweed processing technology, and socio-economic data were carried out by direct interviews with structured questionnaires.

Recent advances in seaweed seedling production: a review of eucheumatoids and other valuable seaweeds

Modern seaweed farming relies heavily on seedlings from natural beds or vegetative cuttings from previous harvests. However, this farming method has some disadvantages, such as physiological variation in the seed stock and decreased genetic variability, which reduces the growth rate, carrageenan yield, and gel strength of the seaweeds. A new method of seedling production that is sustainable, scalable, and produces a large number of high-quality plantlets is needed to support the seaweed farming industry. Recent use of tissue culture and micropropagation techniques in eucheumatoid seaweed production has yielded promising results in increasing seed supply and growing uniform seedlings in large numbers in a shorter time. Several seaweed species have been successfully cultured and regenerated into new plantlets in laboratories using direct regeneration, callus culture, and protoplast culture. The use of biostimulants and plant growth regulators in culture media increases the seedling quality even further. Seedlings produced by micropropagation grew faster and had better biochemical properties than conventionally cultivated seedlings. Before being transferred to a land-based grow-out system or ocean nets for farming, tissue-cultured seedlings were recommended to undergo an acclimatization process to increase their survival rate. Regular monitoring is needed to prevent disease and pest infestations and grazing by herbivorous fish and turtles during the farming process. The current review discusses recent techniques for producing eucheumatoid and other valuable seaweed farming materials, emphasizing the efficiency of micropropagation and the transition from laboratory culture to cultivation in land-based or open-sea grow-out systems to elucidate optimal conditions for sustainable seaweed production.

A Retrospective Review of Global Commercial Seaweed Production-Current Challenges, Biosecurity and Mitigation Measures and Prospects.

Commercial seaweed cultivation has undergone drastic changes to keep up with the increasing demand in terms of the quantity and quality of the algal biomass needed to meet the requirements of constant innovation in industrial applications. Diseases caused by both biotic and abiotic factors have been identified as contributing to the economic loss of precious biomass. Biosecurity risk will eventually affect seaweed production as a whole and could cripple the seaweed industry. The current review sheds light on the biosecurity measures that address issues in the seaweed industry pushing towards increasing the quantity and quality of algal biomass, research on algal diseases, and tackling existing challenges as well as discussions on future directions of seaweed research. The review is presented to provide a clear understanding of the latest biosecurity developments from several segments in the seaweed research, especially from upstream cultivation encompassing the farming stages from seeding, harvesting, drying, and packing, which may lead to better management of this precious natural resource, conserving ecological balance while thriving on the economic momentum that seaweed can potentially provide in the future. Recommended breeding strategies and seedling stock selection are discussed that aim to address the importance of sustainable seaweed farming and facilitate informed decision-making. Sustainable seaweed cultivation also holds the key to reducing our carbon footprint, thereby fighting the existential crisis of climate change plaguing our generation.

IBM PEMBERDAYAAN KAUM PEREMPUAN MELALUI INOVASI PENGOLAHAN MIE RUMPUT LAUT

Wael and Kotania villages are one of the centers for seaweed production in the Kotania Bay waters in the West Seram Regency. Most of the women in Wael and Kotania hamlets, especially mothers, do not have permanent jobs other than taking care of the household. In addition, there is a lack of knowledge in seaweed processing technology. To empower women in the hamlets of Wael and Kotania, it is necessary to create productive activities by utilizing the potential of the village, both the potential of human resources and natural resources. The solution offered to women in the hamlets of Wael and Kotania through this IbM activity is the establishment of a business through the innovation of processing Eucheuma cottonii seaweed into noodles. Activity Objectives 1) Improving women's knowledge and skills about seaweed noodle processing technology. 2) Improving women's knowledge and skills about financial management and marketing strategies for seaweed noodle products. 3) Creating alternative livelihoods for women in coastal areas. Benefits of Activities 1) Empowering women in an effort to increase family income. 2) Realizing the tridharma of higher education through community service. 3) Build a seaweed noodle processing industry in rural areas on a home industrial scale. The addition of seaweed in the manufacture of noodles is expected to increase the consumption of more varied nutrition for the wider community and fulfill nutritional needs, especially micronutrients, one of which is iodine. Processing of seaweed into processed food products by women is expected to increase family income

Mapping Study on Market Potential and Market Chain for Seaweed in Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province

Seaweed is a significant economic product that should be promoted. A transparent trading system, which is intended to support the growth and development of seaweed production on a greater scale, is one of the main criteria for providing stronger value to cultivators. This is a benefit that the Indonesian people, in general, can take advantage of to their fullest potential. In June 2021, a survey will be conducted in Alor Regency, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, to map market potential and market chains. Seaweed farmers and traders interested in seaweed marketing made up the study’s population. The sampling method used the snowball sampling method, namely the first level sampling, in this case, was seaweed farmers determined by simple random sampling, while the next sample, in this case, was traders determined by farmers where farmer s who had selected are identified (excavated data). The goal of doing a market chain research and business strategy for seaweed commodities is to have a more complete picture of the potential, obstacles, and restrictions of developing seaweed production in the Alor Regency. Based on observations and interviews with farmers, it appears that the seaweed marketing chain begins with producers as seaweed farmers, followed by middleman traders (village collectors), i. e. traders who buy directly from village farmers. Also, there are inter-island collectors/collectors (PAP), who are traders who purchase seaweed from middlemen/seaweed collector traders and also farmers, most of whom are based in Alor, the sub-district capital. Collector traders have a great deal of money, so they can keep seaweed temporarily as they wait for a reasonable price or a better price.

Characteristics of Nori-Like Product Prepared from Seaweeds Growing in Indonesia

ABSTRACT Nori is a dried edible seaweed product used in Japanese cuisine made originally from seaweed from the genus Porphyra. Porphyra usually grows in sub-tropic coastal waters and is rarely found in tropical zones like Indonesia. For this reason, it is important to find local raw materials to substitute Porphyra to produce nori-like products in Indonesia. The present work aimed to study the physicochemical characteristics, fatty acid profiles, color components, and mineral contents of nori-like products formulated from seaweeds growing in Indonesia. The seaweeds used were Gracilaria verrucosa, Ulva lactuca, and Caulerpa racemosa. The proportion of each seaweed for nori-like product formulation was 100:0:0; 75:25:0; 75:0:25; 50:50:0; 50:0:50, and 50:25:25, respectively. Based on color, dietary fiber, and minerals (Mg and Ca), the formula of nori-like product processed from Gracilaria and Ulva with the proportion of 50:50 had a better than the commercial nori.

Reply to Stafford's (2022) comment on “Seaweed ecosystems may not mitigate CO2 emissions” by Gallagheret al. (2022)

AbstractThe comment qualitatively suggests that seaweed ecosystems are global carbon sinks. This was in contradiction to the article that showed that seaweed ecosystems are on average measurably carbon sources within the canopy. Furthermore, this was amplified by the remineralization of a large fraction of exported seaweed production, as estimated from published parameters. It appeared that the comments’ conclusion was mistaken from two standpoints. First, a view that the article did not consider the impact of the phytoplanktonic assemblage on the seaweed ecosystems’ global sequestration rate. This had been previously calculated as likely, not significant. Second, a view that the consumption and subsequent respiration of exported material cannot be included in ecosystems that are generally open to allochthonous organic carbon subsidies. Nevertheless, the comment does raise the importance of a more holistic view in assessing sequestration services. The response expands the article's arguments from different standpoints and consequences to illustrate where the comment has been mistaken, and points out where the article was misread. We also expand on the comments’ call for a more holistic approach by being more explicit on what drives both sequestration and mitigation through the extreme circumstances where this could be maximized, including phytoplankton contributions.

Life cycle assessment of a seaweed-based biorefinery concept for production of food, materials, and energy

Blue Economy is seen as an essential contributor to a sustainable development, and it is an important part of the EU Green Deal. Seaweed plays a key role in the Blue Economy as a source of food, feed, and feedstock for biorefineries. Today, the largest part of global seaweed production is based in Asia, but there is also a growing interest in seaweed production in Europe. However, more knowledge on the environmental impacts is needed to ensure sustainable growth of the sector. Seaweed can be used in biorefineries to produce a variety of products for food and non-food applications. The aim of this paper was to perform a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a seaweed value-chain, including seaweed cultivation and production into sodium alginate, biodegradable materials, biogas, and fertilizer in a biorefinery setting. The LCA included 19 environmental impact categories but focused on climate change. The seaweed Saccharina latissima was cultivated and processed in Ireland. Sodium alginate was then extracted by means of ultrasound-assisted extraction, a novel extraction technology. Cellulosic residues produced after the extraction were used for the production of films used as a packaging material. Residues that remain after the production of the films were sent to anaerobic digestion to achieve a no-waste concept. For seaweed cultivation, fuel use and drying of seaweed biomass were the main environmental hot spots; and for the alginate extraction process, the yield and purification after extraction were the main hot spots. Overall, the results of this paper showed that the seaweed-based biorefinery has the potential to be sustainable, but several improvements are necessary before it is competitive with land-based systems.

Analysis of Peruvian seaweed exports during the period 1995–2020 using trade data

Abstract Peru is the second largest seaweed producer in the Americas. Nevertheless, the actual extent and trends of exports of various seaweeds are not known. This study is the first to summarize and analyze the official seaweed export statistics for Peru, which cover 1995–2020. Total exports showed a considerable increase from 2008, reaching their highest historical volume in 2019 (33,948 metric tons dry weight plus 3 metric tons of fresh/frozen weight). China dominated the market by importing 90% of the total Peruvian production of seaweeds. A low percentage of the exports (3%) corresponded to red seaweeds (mainly Chondracanthus chamissoi for industrial use). Export volumes of C. chamissoi have been decreasing since 2015, however prices have continued to increase. Brown seaweeds accounted for 97% of the exports. These were dominated by Lessonia berteroana until 2007 and then by Macrocystis pyrifera. The latter showed the highest overall growth rate (47%). Wet biomass estimations showed a gap between the data reflecting what is officially harvested versus what is actually exported. This “unreported biomass” might reflect the government’s lack of control of seaweed harvesting. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic showed a negative impact on exports with M. pyrifera being the most affected species.

Supplementary effect of K. alvarezii baesd seaweed product on milk production,its composition and organoleptic appraisal in crossbred cows

Eighteen crossbred cows were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each based on milk yield, body weight, parity and days in milk to study the effect of supplementation of K. alvarezii based SWP on feed consumption, milk production and composition for a period of 150 days. The cows in group T1 were fed rations as per their nutrient requirements (ICAR, 2013). The cows in groups T2 and T3 were fed the similar rations as in control group (T1), however, the diets were supplemented with 1.5 and 3% of K. alvarezii based SWP (K. alvarezii powder: Gracilaria salicornia powder: K. alvarezii sap powder in 1: 1: 1 ratio) on DM basis through concentrate mixture in groups T2 and T3, respectively. Daily feed consumption, milk composition and organoleptic appraisal of milk were not influenced by SWP supplementation, however, persistency of lactation seemed to be better in group 3 supplemented with 3% SWP in the ration of crossbred cows particularly post  5th fortnight after start of the experiment.