Algae as Crops Seaweed

Humans have taken advantage of the abundant seaweed
resource found on coastlines for many centuries. With striking
variation in form, color, chemical composition, and taste,
a plethora of uses have been developed for a myriad of species.
In the modern age, the use of seaweed by coastal communities
has declined, with many cultures generally no longer regarding
them as a valuable resource. Many now only see a slimy ‘weed’
but do not realize how widespread seaweed products are in the
industrial world: from ham to horticulture, toothpaste to
tablets, and gourmet food to glossy paper; seaweed is all
around us.