A review on commercially important seaweed resources from the Bangladesh coast

Abstract

Seaweeds have emerged as promising marine living resources globally. With a distribution of over 20,000 species worldwide, only a tiny fraction, approximately 1.1 %, are commercially utilized. Among these, 145 species are used for food purposes, while 110 species are utilized for phycocolloid production. Seaweeds’ wide range of applications and benefits highlight their immense potential in various sectors. Based on the availability, abundance, and use, 26 seaweed species are recorded from Bangladesh's coastal area with commercial significance. Of these, red seaweed (Rhodophyceae) with 10 species (38.46 %), green seaweed (Chlorophyceae) with 08 species (30.77 %), and brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae) with 08 species (30.77 %). Seaweed species like Caulerpa sp., Ulva sp., Padina sp., Sargassum sp., Hypnea sp., and Gracilaria sp. offer numerous benefits and applications in pharmaceuticals, food, animal feed, cosmetic industry, waste water treatment, biofuel production, bioremediation, and agriculture due to their bioactive components, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The development of sustainable cultivation techniques and investment in seaweed-based industries can unlock the immense potential of these marine resources and contribute to the growth of a sustainable blue economy. Harnessing the vast array of seaweed species and their commercial applications can lead to economic development while promoting sustainable practices.

Keywords

• Commercially important seaweeds
• Production
• Availability
• Abundance
• Uses
• Bangladesh