Seaweed farming in the Philippines

Abstract

The culture methods of the most economically important seaweeds in the Philippines farmed on a commercial basis such as Eucheuma, Gracilaria and Caulerpa are discussed. Culture methods for each species differ depending on the biology and ecophysiological requirements. Problems associated with seaweed farming include natural causes such as typhoons, aging effect or senescence, diseases and grazing.
Seaweed farming has greatly contributed to the socio-economic profile of the farmers and to the protection of the environment although long term changes in natural communities related to the introduction of pure algal stand are expected. More research on cultivars which are disease-resistant and have broader tolerance to environmental conditions in addition to new technology on seed stock production for mariculture in the Philippines are needed.