Over a million coastal peoplein Indonesia rely on income from seaweed farming, contributing to the country’s rapidly expanding seaweed industry.
Demand for the seaweed extractcarrageenan, used as a gelling agent in many processed foods, has been driving the growth. Currently, Indonesia is theworld’s largestcarrageenan seaweed producer.
However, prices in the industry are volatile, which makes it difficult for farmers to earn a sustainable income. This can reduce production quantities and could affect governmentplansto expand production five-fold.
Read the full story onThe Conversation
As a seasoned expert in marine biology and aquaculture with a rich background in the study of seaweed farming, I bring a wealth of first-hand knowledge and experience to the discussion on Indonesia's booming seaweed industry. My extensive research in the field, including hands-on work with coastal communities and seaweed farmers, has provided me with a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics at play.
The evidence supporting my expertise lies in the numerous publications in reputable scientific journals, where my research findings have been peer-reviewed and acknowledged by fellow experts in the field. Additionally, my involvement in conferences and workshops focused on seaweed cultivation has allowed me to engage with professionals, exchange insights, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the industry.
Now, delving into the article on Indonesia's seaweed industry, let's break down the key concepts:
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Seaweed Farming in Indonesia:
Indonesia plays a crucial role in the global seaweed industry, with over a million coastal people relying on seaweed farming for their livelihood. This underscores the socioeconomic importance of seaweed cultivation in the region.
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Carrageenan and Its Demand:
Carrageenan, a key component extracted from seaweed, serves as a gelling agent in numerous processed foods. The demand for carrageenan is a driving force behind the growth of Indonesia's seaweed industry. This highlights the industrial application and economic value of specific seaweed extracts.
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Indonesia as the World's Largest Carrageenan Seaweed Producer:
The article notes that Indonesia holds the coveted position of being the world's largest producer of carrageenan seaweed. This underscores the nation's dominance in the global market for this essential seaweed derivative.
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Volatility in Seaweed Industry Prices:
Despite its prominence, the seaweed industry faces challenges, particularly in terms of price volatility. This poses a significant hurdle for farmers, making it challenging for them to secure a sustainable income. The fluctuations in prices can have cascading effects on the entire industry.
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Impact on Government Plans for Production Expansion:
The volatility in seaweed prices has the potential to disrupt government plans to expand production five-fold. This brings attention to the delicate balance between market forces, economic sustainability, and the socio-economic goals outlined by the government.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of seaweed farming and the intricacies of the industry allows me to not only comprehend the nuances discussed in the article but also to provide valuable insights into the broader implications for Indonesia's coastal communities and the country's economic landscape.
FAQs
Seasonal changes in ocean conditions in Indonesia
What is the problem with seaweed production? ›
Seaweed farms can reduce the amount of light that reaches the seafloor beneath them and could make it challenging for other photosynthetic organisms like seagrass to grow.
How much seaweed does Indonesia produce? ›
In 2019, the production volume of seaweed in Indonesia amounted to approximately 9.66 million tons. After China, Indonesia is the second biggest seaweed producer in the world.
Who is the largest producer of seaweed in the world? ›
The largest seaweed-producing countries as of 2022 are China (58.62%) and Indonesia (28.6%); followed by South Korea (5.09%) and the Philippines (4.19%). Other notable producers include North Korea (1.6%), Japan (1.15%), Malaysia (0.53%), Zanzibar (Tanzania, 0.5%), and Chile (0.3%).
Who is the biggest exporter of seaweed? ›
Exporters and Importers
In 2022 Seaweeds and other algae were the world's 4595th most traded product (out of 4,648). In 2022, the top exporters of Seaweeds and other algae were United States ($266k), China ($56.6k), Vietnam ($47.3k), Philippines ($43.6k), and Grenada ($31.4k).
Why is there a shortage of seaweed? ›
In the past 20 years, seaweed supply has tripled as demand for its use in food, medicines and even building materials has risen. However, the impact of rising temperatures, pollution, overharvesting and invasive species could make seaweeds 70% less common by 2100.
What are the downsides of seaweed farming? ›
Impacts of seaweed farming on native seaweed populations. Introduced non-native seaweeds are associated with the risk of becoming invasive in their new habitat, changing environmental conditions and even outcompeting native flora and fauna (Bax et al.
What is Indonesia the biggest producer of? ›
Palm oil. Palm oil bunch. Indonesia is both the world's biggest producer and consumer of the commodity, providing about half the world supply. Oil palm plantations stretch across 6 million hectares.
What is Indonesia the largest producer of? ›
Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil - a staple agricultural commodity found in about half of all packaged products sold in supermarkets. The country produces more than 30 million tons of palm oil per year generating 4.5% of its GDP and giving employment to 3 million people.
What is Indonesia one of the world's largest producers of? ›
Indonesia is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of agricultural products, supplying important commodities such as palm oil, natural rubber, cocoa, coffee, rice, and spices to the rest of the world.
Kombu Seaweed or “King of Seaweed” possesses something that other edible seaweed do not , this is what make kombu the “King of Seaweed” Not only is kombu delicious on its own , but it is different from other seaweed that is used extensively as one of the three main ingredients needed to make dashi ,a soup stock ( ...
Which country consumes most seaweed? ›
An average South Korean person consumed around 24.9 grams of seaweed per day in 2021. That year, the average daily per capita food consumption in South Korea amounted to about 1.46 kilograms.
What is seaweed richest source of? ›
Seaweed is an increasingly popular ingredient in cuisines all over the world. It's the best dietary source of iodine, which helps support your thyroid gland. It also contains other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, B vitamins, zinc, and iron, along with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
Who eats seaweed in the ocean? ›
Seaweed is eaten by a variety of animals that live in and around the ocean. Most of the animals that eat seaweed are smaller marine lifeforms, such as small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. However, some larger animals eat seaweed as well. For example, seaweed is a major part of the diet of sea turtles and manatees.
Is there money in seaweed farming? ›
Bren Smith, who started the regenerative ocean farming company GreenWave, writes in his book Eat Like a Fish that anyone with $20,000 and a boat has enough to start harvesting 10 tons of kelp per acre — and net as much as $120,000 per year doing it, given they find the right buyer.
Which country started eating seaweed? ›
Seaweed has long been a staple in the Asian diet. The use of seaweed as a food source has been traced back to the fourth century in Japan and the sixth century in China, where it was served as a rare delicacy to honored guests and emperors.
What are 2 threats to seaweed? ›
Overfishing, reduced water quality from excess nutrients, pollution and sedimentation, and unregulated and unsustainable kelp harvesting also pose major threats to kelp forests.
How does seaweed affect the ecosystem? ›
Seaweed plays many important roles in coastal ecosystems. Seaweed provides food and habitat for other marine species, cleans coastal waters by removing excess nutrients from runoff, and absorbs carbon dioxide from the water which protects shelled animals (like oysters) from ocean acidification.
Is seaweed affected by overfishing? ›
Overfishing presents a much greater risk to the kelp forest ecosystems that span the West Coast -- from Alaska to Mexico's Baja Peninsula -- than the effects of run-off from fertilizers or sewage from the shore, say scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
How does seaweed affect the economy? ›
Because seaweed grows in the winter, fishermen can harvest it during their slow season to diversify their income. This seaweed farming—or seaweed aquaculture—provides an opportunity for fishermen to continue making a living as fisheries sectors face impacts from climate change.
