Future uses for seaweed
Rimurimu could be a big help for the planet in the future. It could provide food, clean our oceans, absorb carbon, and help New Zealand develop a sustainable "blue" economy. Currently, around 35 countries harvest and sell seaweed, especially in Asia. New Zealand has 850 different species of rimurimu, and a third of these are only found here, which could make them valuable in the future.
In New Zealand, people can collect seaweed that’s washed up onshore or floating freely in the sea. There are rules about how much and where it can be collected to keep things sustainable. Remember, beach casted seaweed is still playing a role in feeding bugs and birds living on the beach!
[image]
In New Zealand, people can collect seaweed that’s washed up onshore or floating freely in the sea. Image: LEARNZ.
Seaweed farming
Although there are no large seaweed farms in New Zealand yet, people are starting to see its potential. Rimurimu farms could create jobs and make money while cleaning the oceans and restoring marine habitats. Scientists are studying seaweed to understand how it reacts to environmental changes, which will help people decide how to farm it sustainably in the future.
Some scientists even suggest that seaweed farms could work alongside shellfish and fish farms. The seaweed would absorb extra nutrients from the fish, helping them all grow in a balanced ecosystem.
The environmental impact of rimurimu
Seaweed does a lot to help the environment. It removes nitrogen from water, helping to reduce pollution from fertilisers that can end up in the ocean. Like trees, rimurimu absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2), so farming it could help fight global warming and lower ocean acidification.
[image]
Seaweed does a lot to help the environment. Image: Leigh Tait.
Seaweed also has potential for more new uses. For example, a type of red seaweed, Asparagopsis armata, is being studied as a feed supplement for cows to reduce methane emissions, which could help cut down on greenhouse gases.
[image]
A type of red seaweed, Asparagopsis armata, is being studied as a feed supplement for cows to reduce methane emissions. Image: LEARNZ.
Another cool idea? Using seaweed to make biodegradable plastics. Regular plastic is made from oil, which requires land to grow, impacting biodiversity and food sources. Seaweed doesn’t need land, and its fast growth makes it a great candidate for eco-friendly, plant-based plastics.
Seaweed is more than just an ocean plant – it’s a source of food, traditional knowledge, eco-friendly products, and innovative ideas that could change the future!
Māori key words
hangarau technology
pūtaiao science
kaipūtaiao scientist
rangahau research
rauemi resource
