Safeguarding the Future of the Global Seaweed Industry

The report underlines the continuous growth of the global aquaculture industry amidst stagnation in wild fisheries, where many have been overexploited. The seaweed sector, roughly 49% of total mariculture production, has grown exponentially in the past five decades, amounting to US$6.4 billion in 2014 and offering jobs, mostly in developing economies. As the industry grows, there's a rising need to meet challenges spurred by market demand and trade. Best practices from established seaweed-producing nations and other agricultural sectors can provide insights. Emphasizing the importance of biosecurity, disease prevention, and sound policies, the report argues for an incentivized approach to ensure the seaweed aquaculture industry's long-term economic and environmental sustainability. It concludes by emphasizing the urgent need to address these issues for sustained growth in the emerging 'blue' ocean economy.