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.