Contribution of seaweed farming in the Western Indian Ocean ecosystem
Currently, seaweeds are a significant component of marine aquaculture production and as the human population increases rapidly it is expected to play an increasing role in global food security (46). Seaweed farming is similar to plant-based agriculture, except that the crop is cultured in a marine environment (47). Therefore, seaweed farming does not require arable land, fertilization, or freshwater, which are resources that may ultimately constrain the expansion of agriculture. Hence can be considered as restorative ocean farming, but also source of green vegetables and animal feeds (48, 49). Adoption and increased seaweeds farming in Western Indian Ocean ecosystem will help increase the quality and sustainability of WIO ecosystem.