Seaweeds, the unsung heroes of the ocean, are now facing a crisis that could have major consequences for both marine biodiversity and human well-being, according to a groundbreaking new report titled “The State of the World’s Seaweeds.”
Released by the GlobalSeaweed-SUPERSTAR program, led by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), this report highlights how global seaweed ecosystems are under growing threat from climate change, pollution, overfishing, and the spread of invasive species.
🌍 Why Seaweeds Matter for the Planet and People
Seaweeds — which include red, green, and brown macroalgae — cover an area the size of Australia and are considered the largest vegetated marine habitat on Earth. These underwater forests play a vital role in:
- Carbon sequestration: Seaweeds absorb carbon dioxide more efficiently than many land plants, helping combat climate change.
- Water purification: They help filter pollutants and improve ocean health.
- Ecosystem support: Seaweeds stabilize coral reefs and provide food and shelter for countless marine species.
- Economic livelihood: Over 95% of seaweed farming occurs in Asia, supporting millions of farmers in 56 countries.
⚠️ Seaweeds Under Threat: Key Findings from the Report
Despite their importance, seaweeds remain poorly protected. The report reveals:
- Seaweed habitats are being lost at an alarming rate, though exact global data is lacking.
- Many seaweed species face local extinction and are shifting toward the poles due to rising sea temperatures.
- Global seaweed diversity and coverage are predicted to decline significantly by the end of the century.
🛡️ A Call for Global Conservation Action
Dr. Sophie Corrigan of the Natural History Museum, London, lead author of the report, emphasizes that seaweeds are essential for food, medicine, and even the cosmetics industry. Yet, conservation efforts lag behind their growing importance.
“Seaweeds are some of the largest and most vital marine habitats we have, but they are being left behind in global biodiversity efforts,” says Dr. Corrigan. “We must act now to safeguard their future.”
The report urges global cooperation among governments, researchers, industries, NGOs, Indigenous communities, and seaweed farmers to protect seaweed ecosystems. It also recommends that seaweeds be included in the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30by30 initiative, which aims to protect 30% of Earth’s ecosystems by 2030.
🌱 The Seaweed Breakthrough Initiative: A Path Forward
The findings of the report will support the upcoming Seaweed Breakthrough initiative, which will set specific global conservation targets for all stakeholders. This initiative will be officially launched at the UN Oceans Conference in June.
Co-author Prof. Juliet Brodie sums it up:
“A world without seaweeds threatens food security and ecosystem stability. A world with thriving seaweeds offers hope for the future.”
📘 Learn More
To read the full State of the World’s Seaweeds report, visit:
globalseaweed.org – State of the World’s Seaweeds (PDF)