Global seaweed stock and Marine Protected Area assessments provide potential opportunities to protect wild seaweeds

Wild seaweeds and associated habitats are the basis of the world’s seaweed industry, yet they lack adequate global conservation protection. A review of the industry’s global distribution, production and species based on available datasets and literature searches revealed that seaweed wild harvesting and aquaculture were reported in 82 countries on five continents. However, analysis of key datasets (FAO and Phyconomy) revealed reporting inconsistencies within the industry. Widespread uncertainty as to which species are used and the quantities produced by the industry has implications for wild stock sustainability, biosecurity, product provenance and safety. This points to the need for greater standardization and wild stock protection by the industry. Analysis of the industry’s global distribution in relationship to Marine Protected Areas revealed c. 50% of aquaculture and wild harvesting sites were close to conservation areas. This presents farmers and harvesters with a potential opportunity to strategically develop the MPA concept to protect wild stocks and secure the long-term future of this industry.