Present scenario of seaweed exploitation and industry in India

Data collected on the commercial exploitation of seaweeds from the natural seaweed beds of Tamilnadu during 4 years period from 2000 to 2003 showed that the quantity of agarophytes viz. Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria edulis, G.crassa, G.foliifera and G.verrucosa varied from 965 to 15 18 tonnes (dry wt) and alginophytes Sargassum spp and Turbinaria spp from 1433 to 2285 tonnes (dry wt) per year. The commercial harvest of seaweeds in Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay is recommended only during the peak growth period of the algae from July 1 August to January. The harvest of commercially important seaweeds in a rational way from other parts of Indian coast, Lakshadweep and Andaman-Nicobar Islands is suggested. The need for large scale cultivation of agarophytes to augment the resources and uninterrupted supply of raw materials to the seaweed industries is emphasised.