The Union Government has introduced the ‘Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India’ to streamline the import of high-quality seaweed seed materials and support coastal livelihoods.
Key Features of the Guidelines on Seaweeds Import
- Application and Approval Process: Importers must submit a detailed application to the Department of Fisheries.
- Applications are reviewed by the National Committee on Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species into Indian Waters.
- Upon approval, an import permit is issued within four weeks, expediting the import of quality seaweed germplasm.
- Ensuring Quality Seed Stock: High-quality seaweed germplasm will support domestic multiplication, ensuring farmers have access to quality seed stocks.
- This addresses the current challenge of limited availability of seed stock, particularly for Kappaphycus, India’s most commonly farmed seaweed.
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Benefits for Coastal Communities
- The Guidelines aim to boost seaweed enterprises as an economic driver for coastal villages while safeguarding environmental standards.
- These guidelines will support livelihood opportunities for coastal communities by fostering seaweed-based enterprises.
- They contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of fisher communities, enhancing economic resilience.
About Seaweeds
- Seaweeds are a type of marine algae found in oceans and seas.
- They vary in color (green, red, and brown) and are rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, making them valuable for multiple industries including food, agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels.
- Seaweeds grow in shallow coastal waters, where they absorb sunlight to photosynthesize.
- India’s long coastline supports the cultivation of different types of seaweed as mentioned in the table.
| Seaweed |
Type |
Uses |
Cultivation Areas |
| Kappaphycus alvarezii |
Red seaweed |
Extracting carrageenan (used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals) |
Tamil Nadu, Gujarat |
| Gracilaria edulis |
Red seaweed |
Producing agar (used in food products, laboratories) |
Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat |
| Gelidiella acerosa |
Red seaweed |
Source of agar (used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology) |
Southern coastlines, especially Tamil Nadu |
| Ulva lactuca (Sea Lettuce) |
Green seaweed |
Food source, animal feed (high protein content) |
West coast, primarily Gujarat and Maharashtra |
| Sargassum spp. |
Brown seaweed |
Agriculture (natural fertiliser), production of alginate (thickening agent) |
Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra |
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Applications of Seaweed
- Agriculture: Used as natural fertilisers and soil conditioners.
- Food Industry: Serve as food additives and stabilisers (e.g., agar and carrageenan).
- Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: Source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
- Biofuels: Emerging renewable energy source due to high biomass productivity.
- By enabling regulated seaweed import, the guidelines open pathways for sustainable economic growth in coastal regions and broader applications of seaweed in various industries.
26 Oct 2024
