Indonesian and UK scientists meet in Jakarta and Lombok to ensure increased resilience of seaweed sector

Researchers from the GlobalSeaweed-PROTECT programme explained how the adoption of a Progressive Management Pathway for Improving Biosecurity for Seaweed (PMP/AB-Seaweed) would provide further protection for farmer livelihoods, as well as increasing yield and profitability in the sector. This initiative is being carried out with the valuable support and engagement of Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (MOHEST), as well as the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF).

Indonesia produces more than a quarter of the world’s farmed seaweed. The seaweed contains carrageenan, which is used in products, such as ice cream and toothpaste. While the country already has well-developed seaweed biosecurity measures, the researchers believe adoption of a PMP/AB-Seaweed could further increase the resilience and profitability of the sector.

Prof. Elizabeth Cottier-Cook from the Scottish Association for Marine Science said: “We are grateful for the opportunity to speak with regional and national politicians and members of the seaweed industry in Jakarta and Lombok, Indonesia.

“Indonesia is a major producer of farmed seaweed globally and the adoption of a national PMP/AB-Seaweed would be a huge step forward in helping to safeguard the industry in a region that is so vulnerable to climate change. It would also support the UN Seaweed Breakthrough, which the team will be launching at COP31 in Turkey next year.

“At our meeting, we communicated the importance of enhancing biosecurity measures, particularly in light of the recent flooding in the region and crucially, we encouraged the government and policy makers to include the seaweed industry in any discussions. This is not something that can be imposed on farmers without helping them understand the benefits of increased regulation.”

Professor Juliet Brodie of the Natural History Museum, project lead for GlobalSeaweed-PROTECT said: “Seaweeds are a vital part of marine ecosystems and support more than six million farmers in 56 countries worldwide, but the industry is facing increasing pressure from a range of challenges, including crop failure due to pests and diseases, lack of quality seedlings as well as changes in monsoon and increasing frequency and intensity of tropical typhoons.

The adoption of a PMP/AB-Seaweed can bring about a transformative change to practices in seaweed farming and to how seaweed is perceived by national and regional governments.”

Dr. Eka S Prasedya, University of Mataram, said: “Indonesia has demonstrated global leadership in seaweed production and innovation. By strengthening biosecurity through the adoption of the PMP/AB-Seaweed framework, we can safeguard our farmers from future risks, protect our valuable seaweed biodiversity, and unlock greater economic value for coastal communities. This is a strategic investment to secure food, livelihoods, and climate resilience for years to come.”

Contact details

Euan Paterson
Media and Communications Officer
Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)
E: euan.paterson@sams.ac.uk

M: 07827963984

www.sams.ac.uk

Notes to Editors

• The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), based near Oban, is Scotland’s largest and oldest independent marine science organisation, dedicated to delivering marine science for a healthy and sustainable marine environment through research, education, enterprise and engagement with society. It is a charitable organisation (009206) and a partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

• Background to GlobalSeaweed-PROTECT: The global seaweed industry is the fastest growing aquaculture sector contributing half of global marine production. Southeast Asia, notably Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, is the largest producer of red seaweeds that produce carrageenan, a hydrocolloid used in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, worth c. US$14.7 billion and supporting over 1 million livelihoods there. Seaweeds, a low trophic crop, are of huge benefit to Southeast Asia, and unlike finfish/shrimp aquaculture, contribute to enhancing biodiversity. Demand for carrageenan is surging, but seaweed production systems in this region are massively challenged by the lack of genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to pests and diseases. This is compounded by climate change, which is also devastating wild seaweeds and habitats, the source of new cultivars on which the seaweed industry depends. These challenges threatening crop health, the wider environment and the livelihoods of the communities that rely on this industry for income.

• GlobalSeaweed-PROTECT aims to achieve a productive seaweed industry in Southeast Asia by taking a One Health approach. This will ensure that production systems are resilient to climate change, crops are healthy by preventing the introduction and spread of pests and disease, wild seaweed biodiversity and the wider environment are protected and enhanced, improving the long-term livelihoods of farmers and their communities, and providing a model for the rest of the world.

• URL: www.globalseaweedprotect.org