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Kelp being harvested in Saint Helena Bay near Cape Town in South Africa
Over 200 species of seaweed are of commercial value. You have probably come across many of these products, whether you know it or not. These include brown seaweeds, giants found in underwater kelp forests; red algae, often used for nori in sushi rolls; and microscopic blue-green algae, popular in marine-based beauty creams.
This increasingly varied demand could lead to overexploitation of wild seaweed, potentially leading to a slew of problems. As a primary producer, seaweed plays a key role in aquatic ecosystems. Removing it could lead to coastal erosion, negative impacts on marine food webs and habitats, loss of biodiversity and decreased water quality. Environmental impacts from irresponsible aquaculture could include water pollution, damage to local ecosystems and the decline of wild stocks. Third-party certification can help to future proof this rapidly expanding industry by recognising and rewarding seaweed production that is both environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
This month, Euglena Co. became the first seaweed operation in the world to gain certification for its seaweed production. Euglena is a type of microscopic algae. It is grown in a high-tech laboratory in Okinawa, Japan, where scientists keep a constant watch on vats filled with the bright green biomaterial. The alga is currently used in nutritional supplements, but owner Mitsuru Izumo has big plans for the future. He wants to use Euglena to make sustainable jet fuel. While this project is still in its research and development stage, we may yet see certified seaweed in our skies. Seaweed is at the beginning of its sustainability journey and will benefit from lessons learned in commercial fisheries and aquaculture. Certification is one tool to help ensure seaweed, and all the marine life that depends on it, is protected now and for future generations.
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