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Executive Summary
What the report is about?
There is a large and diverse array of applications and uses of seaweed products. The industry is estimated to have an annual value of some US$6 billion (McHugh 2003) and the largest share of this is for food products. It is estimated that US$5 billion of this is used in food products for human consumption. The other US$1 billion is largely based upon extracting hydrocolloids from seaweed for use in products such as animal feeds and fertilizers.

This report collates and consolidates information about the world seaweed industry based upon information from the International Seaweed Symposium, Japan (2007) and recent Australian industry developments. The report is focussed primarily upon identifying the food research applications for seaweeds and seaweed products, especially those which may be used as marine vegetables. However, this report also identifies other research opportunities or seaweed applications which may provide additional broad benefits for rural Australia.

 Who is the report targeted at?

This report targets researchers and industry groups involved in the production, processing and marketing of seaweed products in a broad range of industries including agriculture, aquaculture, health and pharmaceuticals.

Background
Seaweed food products enjoy a reputation for being healthy meals and ingredients throughout Asia but western markets are now increasingly appreciating their nutritional qualities. While previously these products may have been regarded as novel and new, consumer perceptions are changing with seaweed products such as seaweed nori rolls and seaweed salads being enjoyed regularly by many western consumers.

The report is focussed primarily upon identifying the food research applications for seaweeds and seaweed products, especially those which may be used as marine vegetables. However, this report has also identified other research opportunities or seaweed applications which may provide additional broad benefits for rural Australia.

Aims/Objectives
This project filters, collates, and consolidates information from the International Seaweed Symposium, Japan and Australian industry research to provide recommendations on:

a. The potential market opportunities for 'marine vegetables'.
b. The potential, or not, of a role and position of RIRDC in supporting the development of a 'seaweed products' industry. Specifically, the potential for RIRDC investment to add value to areas such as:

- Aquaculture industry in inland areas
- Biofuels industry
- Bioactives industry
- Greenhouse industry and environmental management
- Export market opportunities

c. Research investment opportunities.

Methods used
Research was based upon desktop research, in-market research interviews with Australian industry and research groups, and the review of conference presentations at the International Seaweed Symposium in Japan during 2007.

Results/Key findings
In general, there are current and potential market applications for seaweeds as saltwater marine vegetables, functional natural foods and non-food products. There has been limited development and application of seaweeds in freshwater. A major limiting factor for the further development of the saltwater seaweed products in Australia is the ready availability of seaweed supply into existing local markets which are largely supported by imported seaweed products.

The Australian seaweed industry is small and localized. The availability of seaweeds is the constraining factor for the growth of the industry. Currently, the Australian market is largely supplied by seaweed food imports with annual import volumes of over 5,000 tonnes in 2006/07 and an approximate value of A$14 million. This implies that there is a significant Australian market opportunity for seaweed products and the potential for import replacement if the Australian industry is commercially competitive. Conversely, this also implies that the opportunity for increased seaweed exports would be limited, especially given the limited availability of seaweed to the Australian industry at present.

Table 1 provides a summary of the industry groups and the broad market and research drivers for the seaweed products. The major research driver is the ability to develop a source of seaweed supply from land-based propagation systems. Such systems are the subject of international research and it is important for Australia to either apply existing technologies and systems or develop proprietary alternatives. In either case, the Australian applications must be cost competitive if it is to compete with global suppliers and importers.

Other industrial opportunities are identified for research as these have the potential to provide additional benefits to the rural industry.

Implications
Research to support the development of Australian seaweed resources for Australian food products will be strategically important. Due to commercial, environmental and social pressures, seaweed farming in Australian marine environments is not feasible. Research is needed to develop alternate land-based sources of seaweed. These sources shall provide the opportunity to develop marine vegetable and seaweed products for both the Australian and potentially Asian export markets. Alternate technologies, skills and associated intellectual property should all be evaluated to ensure that the land-based resource will be commercially viable and competitive with the other major world suppliers. Key research issues for RIRDC to review and assess should include:

- Proprietary systems to propagate seaweeds in land-based aquaculture, Integrated Multi- Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and aquaponic systems.
- Technologies that enhance the functional value of Australian seaweed for use in foods for nutrition and health.
- Functional value of Australian seaweed for use in other industries including:

o Australian biofuel applications
o Bioactive and medical applications
o Greenhouse industry applications

The above research issues shall also have the potential to provide significant benefits to the rural industry including:

- Potential for exports of bioactive substances extracted from seaweeds
- Potential for rural areas to diversify their land use and income base
- Potential usage of seaweed and micro-algae in inland areas for biofuel use
- Potential for the utilisation of inland saline areas
- Potential to support Greenhouse management strategies
- Sustainable management of resources

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