Seaweeds: Are these Weeds or Resources?

The term ‘Seaweed’ consists of two words i.e. Sea and Weeds, and literally means any weed-like organisms found in the seas. Taxonomically, it includes marine macroalgae, which grow exclusively in marine habitats and estuaries. The word ‘Seaweed’ is a misnomer, and should not be considered a weed at all, rather, it is one of the potential marine living resources in the world. Seaweeds constitute one of the important components of the marine flora, along with other microalgae, mangroves, and seagrasses, and play an essential role in the marine ecological food chains, oxygen enrichment, carbon sequestration, detoxification, and climate change mitigation. Besides, it has high economic potential in food, fodders and various industrial sectors. Worldwide, about 11,000 seaweeds are reported, among which about 221 are documented as economically important and crucial in various forms. Therefore, the term seaweed should not be considered as weed, rather alternatively termed as ‘Sea-plants’ or ‘Marine plants’. However, because of the popularity of the term, the name seaweed is more relevant and considered as an important marine natural resource. The present article briefly deals with the general introductory and economic aspects of the seaweeds.

• Seaweeds are the marine macro algae, one of the essential components of marine flora and biodiversity.

• It plays an important role in the marine ecological food chains, oxygen enrichment, carbon sequestration, detoxification, and climate change mitigation.

• It is one of the potential marine living resources which need to be explored, documented, and utilized sustainably for the welfare of the humanity.