Seaweed Aquaculture Importance in Sustainable Economy in an Era of Climate Change

• Main Authors: Madalena Mendes, Alina Hillinger, Kay Ihle, Miguel Cascais, Pedro Andrade, João Cotas, Diana Pacheco, João Carlos Marques, Leonel Pereira, Ana Marta Mendes Gonçalves
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: IntechOpen 2024
• Subjects: Oceanography - Relationships of the Oceans with the Continents; Their Biodiversity and the Atmosphere; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://mts.intechopen.com/articles/show/title/seaweed-aquaculture-importance-in-sustainable-economy-in-an-era-of-climate-change; https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.114366

Seaweeds have been used globally for different purposes. Recent developments in technology coupled with an increasing interest in the resource have created a need for seaweed aquaculture to meet the demand. This review tackles the question of whether seaweed aquaculture has the potential to support the blue economy as well as climate change adaptation. Seaweed aquaculture represents an economically viable sector that has the potential to support the blue economy. The sector succeeds in meeting sustainability requirements while supporting human health and wealth through qualities such as naturally acting as a bio-filter, reducing ocean acidification, carbon sequestration, provision of habitat, and coastal protection; seaweed aquaculture can be used as a tool in conservation and climate adaptation. However, seaweed aquaculture is still in its infancy in many areas of the world, especially in the West, and there is a need for improved legislation and guidelines. Furthermore, several environmental hazards, such as physical stress (abiotic and abiotic factors), genetic depletion, and the introduction of non-native species, can cause future problems, particularly if legislation restrictions are not fully revised to ensure the safety of seaweed aquaculture. The sector poses great opportunities and is a sustainable way forward that is necessary to meet increasing demand.