Method for seaweed cultivation and seaweed value-added product development

Abstract

Seaweeds are a significant component of current marine aquaculture production and will play an increasing role in the global food security. Seaweeds are converted into various goods, such as food and nutritional supplements for humans and livestock, fertilizer, unique biochemicals, and biofuels. Seaweed cultivation offers multiple ecosystem services, such as bioremediation for coastal pollution, localized control of ocean acidification, mitigation of climate change, and habitat for other marine organisms. Seaweed can be cultivated in intertidal or beyond the ocean‘s intertidal zone. Several seaweed cultivation methods were developed, including long lines, square nets, floating rafts, and triangular-shaped rafts. Applying these methods in large-scale commercial cultivation of economically important seaweed species can increase seaweed production to a greater extent. Applying these methods will not only enhance its production scale but will also help protect seaweed biodiversity by reducing harvest demand on natural resources. Furthermore, value can be added to cultured seaweed products according to the requirements of the different markets. Development of different value-added seaweed products, i.e., noodles sticks, cookies, soup, balachao, and chips from raw seaweeds, will ensure diversified use of seaweed and the economic viability of this sector. The micro-nutrient and mineral contents of the seaweed can meet the nutritional demand of the country‘s coastal population. The present invention is directed to different methods of seaweed cultivation (long line, square net, floating raft, and triangular-shaped raft) either intertidal or beyond the intertidal zone of the open sea, and different value-added seaweed products (noodles stick, cookies, soup, balachao, and chips) to economic profitability and fulfil the nutritional demand of the coastal population of the country. The method of the present invention comprises the procedures of outdoor seaweed cultivation and steps to adding value to the raw seaweed that can play a role in our national economy.