The Dream of Seaweed Farming Becomes Reality in Long Island Sound

The deam of seaweed farmingAs part of a research project that he leads for Connecticut Sea Grant, Charles Yarish and his collaborators have successfully grown and harvested Gracilaria, an economically valuable edible seaweed, in the Sound. Gracilaria is a source of agar, an extract used as a nutrient and stabilzer in foods for humans and shrimp. It’s also known as agar-agar, for growing cultures in labs. It’s also used in salads and as a garnish.

The project is part of an effort involving seaweeds to bring a concept known as Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) to our midst. That high-faluting name means simply, growing aquatic organisms at different levels in the food chain together, for their mutual benefit. In the process, bioremediation, or natural cleansing of the waters by certain living organisms, also happens. becomes reality in Long Island Sound.