SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
For many coastal households, seaweed is more than a commodity, it is a source of livelihood and opportunity. Income from seaweed farming helps families pay for their children’s education, meet household expenses, and put nutritious food on the table. Across Southeast Asia, the seaweed industry continues to play an important role in supporting coastal economies and the well-being of communities.
Today, Southeast Asia is the world’s leading region for tropical seaweed production, with millions of small-scale farmers depending on the sector. Yet many farmers continue to rely on traditional cultivation practices and face growing challenges, including climate change, disease outbreaks, occupational safety and health risks, inconsistent product quality, and limited access to markets. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure that the industry remains productive, resilient, and sustainable.
To support this transition, SEAFDEC, the Global Seaweed Coalition, and the ASEAN Seaweed Technical Working Group (S-TWG) are collaborating to develop the Guide to Promoting a Sustainable Seaweed Industry in Southeast Asia and the Regional Principles and Toolkit on Responsible and Safe Seaweed Aquaculture. These regional initiatives aim to strengthen sustainable farming practices, promote occupational safety and health (OSH), advance responsible aquaculture, and improve the competitiveness and livelihoods of seaweed farming communities across Southeast Asia.
Beyond its economic importance, seaweed also contributes to healthier marine ecosystems by absorbing carbon, improving water quality, and providing habitat for marine life. By combining sustainable production, safer working conditions, responsible business practices, and environmental stewardship, the region can build a seaweed industry that benefits both people and the ocean.
The Blue Horizon Seaweed Aquaculture is funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF) through WWF US as GEF Agency, executed by SEAFDEC PMU, BFAR – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Philippines, and DFiS – Department of Fisheries and Surveillance Viet Nam.
For more information, please check out: www.bluehorizonseaweed.org
