Seaweeds

Research works on various aspects of seaweeds have been carried out since last five decades. They include resources survey, studies on distribution, axonomy, ecology, biology, phycocolioids, biochemicals, culture and utilisation of marine algae growing in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep and Andaman-Nicobar Islands. Information was also gathered since 1978 on the quantity of seaweeds commercially exploited from the natural seaweed beds occurring in Tamil Nadu coast. The results obtained on these aspects are reviewed in this paper. The prospects of seaweed research, industry and utilisation in India are also briefly described