Alan T. Critchley – författare

The Proceedings of the 18th International Seaweed Symposium provides an invaluable reference to a wide range of fields in applied phycology. Papers cover topics as diverse as systematics, ecology, commercial applications, carbohydrate chemistry and applications, harvesting biology, cultivation and more. Contributions from all parts of the world give the volume exceptional relevance in an increasingly global scientific and commercial climate. Like its predecessors, this volume provides a benchmark of progress in all fields of applied seaweed science and management, and will be referred to for many years to come.

The volume will interest researchers, students, resource managers and natural product chemists.

The Proceedings of the 19th International Seaweed Symposium provides an invaluable reference to a wide range of fields in applied phycology. Papers cover topics as diverse as the systematics, ecology, physiology, integrated multitrophic aquaculture, commercial applications, carbohydrate chemistry and applications, harvesting biology, cultivation of seaweeds and microalgae and more. Contributions from all parts of the world give the volume exceptional relevance in an increasingly global scientific and commercial climate. Like its predecessors, this volume provides a benchmark of progress in all fields of applied seaweed science and management, and will be referred to for many years to come.

Tropical seaweeds represent a major source of diversity and potential for cultivation. Cultivation of seaweeds has been coined “phyconomy” (derived from phycology and agronomy). One of the world’s most important groups of tropical seaweeds is the eucheumatoids (comprising members of the genera Kappaphycus and Eucheuma). Whilst the biomass from these seaweeds is mostly used to produce colloids (i.e., various carrageenans) trends are changing and new, value-added applications are emerging including bioactives for agriculture, pharmaceutical applications, as well as bioplastics and possibly energy when processed as part of a MUZE (i.e., multi-stream, zero effluent), or biorefinery approach. Phyconomic activities around the production of seaweed biomass provides socio-economic benefits for many hundreds of thousands of global, coastal dwellers around a circum-tropical belt. However, times are changing and the once, repetitive manual aspects of attaching seaweed fragments to ropes and nets is beginning to be mechanized. Whilst it has taken agronomy several thousands of years to develop on land, its phyconomic counterpart is, at best, 50 years old in relation to developments in cultivation of eucheumatoids. Activities around cultivation of these tropical seaweeds can contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This book contains contributions from many of the world’s authorities on tropical seaweed farming with a focus on the eucheumatoids. There are many lessons learned and best-practice examples which will be of interest to students of phyconomy (phycology), marine science, industrial users of cultivated biomass, as well as practitioners in charge of coastal zone management and ensuring responsible and sustainable socio-economic benefits are derived from marine resources for coastal dwellers.

This book collates the latest information on Kappaphycus and Eucheuma seaweeds. The edited volume provides an important companion to anyone studying or working with what is the world’s largest cultivated marine plant biomass. The contributing authors have excelled in providing information on production and present and future uses of these carrageenan-bearing seaweeds. Important elements of taxonomy, distribution and methods of cultivation and processing are presented to the reader in an accessible and easily understood format. The book provides a number of valuable opinions on value addition and MUZE technologies which highlight value-chains associated with these important red algae.

This book delves into the realm of seaweed biotechnology, offering comprehensive insights into research, innovations, and emerging trends. It particularly highlights recent advancements in seaweed growth engineering, cultivation techniques, and the extraction of multiple bioproducts in a biorefinery fashion. Emphasizing the value addition of seaweed-derived bioproducts, the book also explores the translation of seaweed research into the establishment of seaweed-based startups.

Major themes covered include strategies for growth engineering and year-round seaweed biomass production, technological advances in farming and land-based cultivation, biotechnological interventions for product development, and diverse applications in sectors such as food, feed, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cosmeceuticals. Additionally, it examines seaweed biorefinery models for commercial sustainability and their potential contributions to environmental monitoring and remediation efforts.

With a focus on fundamental biology and advanced technological interventions, this book encourages readers to explore the possibilities of macroalgae for societal benefits. It caters to university-level students of phycology, academics, practitioners in applied phycology, and aspiring entrepreneurs in the seaweed industry.