Seaweed aquaculture in Bangladesh: Present status, challenges and future prospects

Seaweeds production can play a significant role in catalyzing sustainable aquaculture activity in many developing countries. Bangladesh has approximately 8500 km(2) (< 5 m depth) exploitable coastal area and is home to 335 different types of natural populations of seaweeds, some of which are cultivated on a limited scale due to environmental, technological and socio-economic constraints. Given the current national interest, this study reviewed the previous works as well as collected primary data visiting to seaweed farming sites, and consulting with farmers and relevant stakeholders to better understand the present status of seaweed culture, existing challenges and a possible way forward. A roadmap for seaweed-based new frontiers with necessary interventions is also suggested to promote the seaweed industry in Bangladesh. The strategies to leverage key activities include - (1) zooning of seaweed farming areas, (2) farming intensification and integration, (3) seed bank for commercially important seaweed species, (4) post-harvest management, (5) value-added products and market development, and (6) establishing seaweed-based forward linkage sub-sectors. Overall, the future of seaweed farming in Bangladesh will likely depend upon suitable site selection followed by adaption of improved culture techniques, production volume and market demand.