Malaysian and UK scientists begin mission to save seaweed stocks from the impacts of climate change

Leading seaweed scientists from Malaysia and the UK and officials from the Department of Fisheries Sabah are meeting with more than 50 stakeholders this week to propose a new Progressive Management Pathway for Improving Biosecurity in the Seaweed Industry (PMP/AB-Seaweed).

Seaweeds are a vital part of the ocean ecosystem and support more than six million farmers in 56 countries worldwide, but the industry is facing increasing pressure from climate change.

The 2.5 day workshop focused on the main commercially grown seaweed species in Malaysia, the key pest and disease challenges faced by the industry and the practical solutions that will allow the industry to develop to its full potential.

The workshop also discussed other seaweed species that could potentially be commercialised and how wild seaweed stocks can be protected and restored in Malaysia, since they are so important in providing the climate-resilient cultivars of the future.

The workshop is part of an international GlobalSeaweed-PROTECT three-year programme (February 2025-February 2028) funded by the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) under the Sustainable and Resilient Aquaculture Systems in Southeast Asia programme.

The ultimate goal of the programme is to improve livelihoods for the long-term for seaweed farming communities in Southeast Asia by building a productive seaweed industry that is resilient to climate change, is biosecure and protects wild seaweed diversity.

Project lead Prof. Juliet Brodie based at the Natural History Museum, London said: “Seaweeds are vital for the functioning of the marine ecosystem and there are more than six million seaweed farmers who rely on seaweed for their livelihoods. The vast majority of farmers are in Asia, which accounts for more than 95% of global seaweed farming.

“Yet, commercial seaweeds are threatened by outbreaks of pests and diseases, as a result of climate-induced increases in seawater temperatures, which is limiting an already fragile production in a very competitive global market. It is hoped that the PMP/AB-Seaweed will provide a practical road map to help the seaweed industry in Malaysia increase its resilience to climate change.”

GlobalSeaweed-PROTECT also involves a core research team of Prof. Phaik Eem Lim of the University of Malaya, Prof. Elizabeth Cottier-Cook of the Scottish Association for Marine Science, as well contributions from the Department of Fisheries Sabah and the United Nations University Comparative Regional Integration Studies.

Prof. Cottier-Cook added: “Our trip to Malaysia brought the UK team together with a wide range of stakeholders from the seaweed industry in Malaysia for the first time in this project, allowing us the opportunity to build capacity and to co-create a PMP/AB-Seaweed that will help improve the resilience of an industry vital to so many in Malaysia.

“Our shared knowledge in seaweed cultivation, biosecurity and governance between Malaysia and the UK will bring the necessary experience required to really make a difference to this industry.”

Prof. Phaik Eem Lim also added: “This is a significant milestone and the first step towards delivering climate solutions for the seaweed farmers by working in partnership with organisations across Malaysia to develop a system that can enhance climate resilience and improve livelihoods.”

ENDS

Natural History Museum Press Office 

Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5654 / 07799690151 

Email: press@nhm.ac.uk 

The Natural History Museum is a world-leading scientific research centre and one of the world’s most visited museums. Our mission is to create advocates for the planet – people who act for nature. Our 400 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency - from reversing biodiversity loss to resourcing the green economy.  

We are seeking an additional £150 million to transform our South Kensington building: placing our groundbreaking research at its heart, revitalising four existing galleries, opening two new magnificent galleries and delighting 1 million more visitors a year with the wonders of the natural world.