Seaweed farmer in Takalar District, Indonesia (Imgae: K. Azis)
PELAKITA.ID – Seaweed production has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades, with Asia at the forefront of the industry.
As demand for seaweed in various sectors, including food, cosmetics, agriculture, and biofuels, continues to rise, the global seaweed market has flourished.
Asia remains the undisputed leader in seaweed cultivation, with China, Indonesia, and South Korea being the top producers. Here’s a closer look at the major seaweed producers and their annual production figures:
China, by far the largest producer of seaweed, contributes over 58% of the world’s total seaweed supply, with an annual production of approximately 20.4 million tons.
The country predominantly cultivates brown algae, especially Saccharina japonica, which accounts for roughly 51% of its total seaweed output.
Indonesia follows closely behind, producing nearly 10 million tons of seaweed annually, making up 28.6% of global production.
The country focuses on red algae species, including Eucheuma spp., Kappaphycus spp., and Gracilaria spp., which are integral to the production of carrageenan, a substance used widely in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
South Korea is another key player, contributing 5.09% of global production with around 1.8 million tons of seaweed per year.
The country cultivates a diverse range of species, including brown, red, and green algae, with Laminaria japonica (Japanese kelp) being the most prominent.
The Philippines and North Korea round out the top five producers, with the Philippines contributing 1.5 million tons and North Korea producing 603,000 tons annually.
Other notable producers include Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, and Tanzania, with varying contributions to the global seaweed supply.
These production figures are based on the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) 2019 report, which estimated global seaweed production at over 35 million tons. The numbers highlight the vast scale of the industry and underscore the growing importance of seaweed in various industries.
The types of seaweed cultivated vary by country, with each region focusing on species that are best suited to its environmental conditions and economic needs.
For example, China’s dominance in brown algae cultivation stems from the high demand for Saccharina japonica in food production, particularly in East Asia.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s focus on red algae is driven by the global demand for carrageenan, a key ingredient in many food products.
The rapid expansion of the global seaweed industry has not only created economic opportunities, particularly for coastal communities, but has also contributed to environmental sustainability.
Seaweed farming plays a role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
As the demand for seaweed continues to rise, the industry is expected to grow even further, offering new opportunities for innovation in both traditional and emerging sectors.
Whether in the form of food additives, natural cosmetics, or biofuels, the future of seaweed looks bright, with Asia continuing to lead the way in global production.
Indonesia’s Context
Indonesia stands as one of the largest seaweed producers globally, contributing approximately 28.6% of the world’s total seaweed production, amounting to around 10 million tons annually.
Seaweed farming in Indonesia, predominantly focused on the cultivation of red algae species such as Eucheuma spp., Kappaphycus spp., and Gracilaria spp., is an essential part of the nation’s agricultural sector and coastal economy.
Farmers of seaweed in Punaga Village, Takalar, Indonesia (Image: K. Azis)
Trends in Seaweed Production
Growth and Expansion
Seaweed farming in Indonesia has seen substantial growth over the past few decades. The expansion of seaweed cultivation has been driven by several factors, including the increasing global demand for seaweed and its by-products, such as carrageenan, a natural thickening agent widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries.
Technological Advancements
One significant trend in Indonesia’s seaweed production is the adoption of new farming techniques and technologies. These advancements have enhanced yields, reduced the time needed for cultivation, and improved the overall quality of the harvested seaweed.
The use of better farming practices, such as improved seedling production and optimized nutrient management, has contributed to more sustainable and efficient seaweed farming.
Global Demand and Export Growth
Indonesia’s seaweed sector has seen growth not only in local consumption but also in exports. The demand for carrageenan, which is derived from red algae, has played a crucial role in expanding Indonesia’s seaweed exports, especially to countries like the United States, China, and European markets.
With increasing demand for natural, plant-based ingredients in food and cosmetics, Indonesia’s seaweed industry is poised to continue growing, with greater attention on international markets.
Environmental and Sustainability Efforts
There has also been a growing trend toward sustainability in seaweed farming in Indonesia.
The government, along with various organizations, is focusing on ensuring that seaweed farming is done sustainably, minimizing the environmental impact on marine ecosystems while enhancing the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Challenges Facing Indonesia’s Seaweed Production
Despite its growth and potential, Indonesia’s seaweed industry faces several challenges that could affect its future production.
Climate Change and Environmental Factors
One of the most significant challenges to Indonesia’s seaweed production is the impact of climate change.
Changes in ocean temperatures, water quality, and extreme weather conditions can affect seaweed growth and reduce yields. Seaweed farming is particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in sea temperatures, which can stunt growth or lead to the spread of diseases that affect the algae. Increased storm activity and rising sea levels can also disrupt farming operations.
Disease and Pests
Seaweed farming in Indonesia is also challenged by the spread of diseases and pests that affect crops.
For example, Kappaphycus and Eucheuma species, which are critical to the seaweed industry, are susceptible to red rot disease, which can cause significant damage to crops. Efforts to control these diseases and pests require constant attention and investment in research to develop resistant strains and effective management practices.
Market Volatility
The global seaweed market can be volatile, with fluctuations in demand and prices for seaweed products.
While seaweed is in high demand for products like carrageenan, fluctuations in global markets can lead to price instability, which affects the livelihoods of farmers. This volatility can be especially challenging for small-scale farmers who lack access to financial resources and market information.
Infrastructure and Logistics
Despite the growth in seaweed farming, Indonesia still faces challenges in infrastructure and logistics.
The transportation and processing of seaweed often occur in remote coastal areas, where there may be limited access to storage facilities, refrigeration, or efficient transportation networks. This can result in high post-harvest losses, limiting the profitability of seaweed farming.
Lack of Skilled Labor
The seaweed farming sector in Indonesia also struggles with a shortage of skilled labor.
As the industry grows, the need for trained professionals in areas such as seaweed cultivation, disease management, and processing is increasing. The lack of skilled workers can hinder the industry’s ability to adopt best practices and innovate, limiting productivity and efficiency.
Future Prospects
Despite these challenges, Indonesia’s seaweed industry has immense growth potential. Continued investment in technology, research, and sustainable farming practices, along with improvements in infrastructure and labor training, can help address these obstacles.
If these issues are addressed effectively, Indonesia’s seaweed industry could become an even more significant player in the global market, contributing to both the economy and environmental sustainability.
