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The Indian government has issued guidelines for importing live seaweeds.
The initiative is expected to promote seaweed enterprises, enhancing socio-economic conditions for fisher communities while ensuring environmental protection.
Importers must submit a detailed application to the Department of Fisheries, which will review it and issue permits within four weeks.
What is Seaweeds
Seaweeds are macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae.
They come in a variety of colors, including red, green, and brown.
They are referred to as the 'Medical Food of the 21st Century’.
Seaweeds are found mostly in the intertidal region, in shallow and deep waters of the sea and also in estuaries and backwaters.
Large seaweeds form dense underwater forests known as kelp forests, which act as underwater nurseries for fish, snails and sea urchins.
India boasts approximately 844 reported seaweed species in its seas.
Some specific species, such as Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria, Sargassum, Turbinaria, and Cystoseira trinodis are cultivated for the production of agar, alginates, and liquid seaweed fertilizer.
Agar is obtained from red algae and is used as thickening and gelling agent in jellies, puddings, jams etc
Alginate is obtained from brown algae and used as thickener and stabilizer in ice cream, sauces, and dressings.
Abundant seaweed resources are found along the Tamil Nadu and Gujarat coasts, as well as around Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Significance:
They act as bio-indicator by absorbing excess nutrients and signalling marine chemical damage caused by waste from agriculture, industries, and households, often leading to algal blooming.
They play a vital role in restoring ecosystem balance.
Seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre.
Many seaweeds contain anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents.
Seaweed is the best source of iodine.
Seaweed extracts are used in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics.
Seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows, making it a potential tool in the fight against climate change.
Studies suggest cultivating and sinking seaweed could effectively store long-term carbon.
Seaweed farming provides income and empowers coastal communities, particularly women and small-scale farmers.
It requires minimal investment and offers relatively quick returns.
Seaweeds are utilized for various purposes, including laxatives, pharmaceutical capsules, goiter treatment, cancer therapy, bone replacement, and cardiovascular surgeries.
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