New UKRI-funded research project will develop climate-resilient seaweed in south-east Asia

Natural History Museum Executive Director of Science Tim Littlewood says: “This project is a great example of Museum scientists working with local and indigenous communities and researchers to find solutions to some of the biggest challenges we face such as the impacts on climate change on a globally vital crop in Southeast Asia.”

GLOBALSEAWEED-PROTECT

Seaweed farming in southeast Asia is increasingly impacted by pests and diseases whilst the wild seaweed populations that could provide new disease-resilient stock are suffering the effects of climate change.

Seaweed is the fastest growing aquaculture sector, currently making up half of marine production globally. The red seaweeds Kappaphycus and Eucheuma species, collectively known as the eucheumatoids, produce carrageenan, a chemical compound which can be used as an ingredient across a wide range of key products including food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in an industry worth $14 billion. Over 1 million livelihoods are supported by the seaweed industry in Southeast Asia – the largest producer of red seaweed – particularly across Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. Seaweed production is threatened in this region by a lack of genetic diversity in the cultivars, increasing the seaweeds’ vulnerability to pests and diseases., At the same time, climate change is having a devastating impact on wild seaweed habitats on which the industry depends for sourcing new cultivars.

The Natural History Museum has secured funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to help tackle the growing threats to seaweed production in Southeast Asia. The three-year project, ‘GLOBALSEAWEED-PROTECT’, is led by Professor Juliet Brodie and will create healthy seaweed crops using biosecurity management to prevent the spread of pests and develop early warning systems to spot early signs of diseases. It will also make production systems resilient to climate change and enhance biodiversity across wild seaweeds and the wider aquatic environment. Project outcomes should shore up long-term livelihoods for farmers and communities and it is hoped to provide a model template for global use to help address the planetary emergency. It is funded through the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) as part of UKRI and continues a strong partnership with the Scottish Association for Marine Science, University of Malaya, Kasetsart University, University of Mataram, University of the Philippines Diliman, Yunus Thailand, United Nations University and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Professor Juliet Brodie, Merit Researcher at the Natural History Museum and senior member of the GLOBALSEAWEED-PROTECT team says: “I’m excited to be leading GlobalSeaweed-PROTECT. It’s about finding long-term solutions to the challenges faced by the seaweed industry in Southeast Asia. And that’s about developing healthy, climate-resilient crops for the seaweed farmers alongside protecting and restoring the wild seaweeds stocks on which the future of the industry depends. It’s a unique opportunity to continue our strong UK-Southeast Asia partnership and to work towards improving the livelihoods of farmers and their communities. Seaweeds are extraordinary. A world without seaweeds means devastation to the functioning and food security of the Earth as we know it. A world with seaweeds that are healthy and thriving offers hope of a better future for the planet.”

Creating climate-resilient seaweed will optimise seaweed health, benefitting ecosystems and seaweed farming across Southeast Asia. Seaweed habitat restoration will in turn strengthen production systems, increasing seaweed sustainability for farmers, reducing poverty by aiding communities that depend on these crops as a legacy beyond the project.

Both projects are part of the Natural History Museum’s research into understanding why biodiversity is changing to inform conservation efforts and policies that can halt and reverse its decline. GLOBALSEAWEED-PROTECT contributes to our Resourcing the Green Economy thematic area.

Visitors to the Natural History Museum will be able to learn more about the Museum’s groundbreaking research into nature-based solutions, including its work on seaweed farming which is showcased in its new permanent gallery, Fixing our Broken Planet.

ENDS

Notes to editors

GLOBALSEAWEED-PROTECT is being led by the Natural History Museum, with Scottish Association for Marine Science, University of Malaya, Kasetsart University, University of Mataram and University of the Philippines Diliman, Yunus Thailand, United Nations University and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology as partners. Funded by BBSRC as part of UKRI.

Images available here.

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