On Monday, 17th March 2025, the University of Mauritius' Faculty of Agriculture hosted an event at the R. Burrenchobay Lecture Theatre (RBLT) in Reduit. The occasion brought together government officials, researchers, and stakeholders to engage in discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at advancing seaweed aquaculture initiatives and addressing key challenges in the sector. This workshop underscores seaweed aquaculture’s multifaceted benefits and positions Mauritius as a leader in sustainable marine resource innovation. The agricultural society of the University has also actively participated in the event.
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| The members of the Agricultural Society |
Objective: The workshop highlights the transformative potential of seaweed aquaculture in addressing global challenges such as food security, environmental degradation, and economic resilience. Centered on the R.I.S.E. Project (Resilient Island Endeavour), the event explores seaweed's applications as a superfood, bio-stimulant, and driver of sustainable development in Mauritius.
Key Sessions & Speakers:
Inaugural Addresses: Speeches by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Sobhee, Honorable Dr Arvind Boolell GOSK (Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries) and Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon (Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research) emphasize national and institutional commitments to advancing seaweed aquaculture. The Dean of the Faculty Assoc Prof J.Govinden Soulange further emphasized the Faculty role in educating and equipping our young generation to meet growing demands in marine resource management.
R.I.S.E. Project Insights: Elisa Gatteschi and Daksh Beeharry Panray discuss the practical applications of seaweed cultivation in Mauritius, including its role as a nutrient-rich food source and agricultural bio-stimulant.
Sustainability Focus: Dr. Nadeem Nazullary elaborated on seaweed’s ecological benefits, such as carbon sequestration, habitat restoration, and its economic potential for coastal communities.
Genetic Research: Bhuvaneshwaree Surroop, Tashika Kalloo, and Bipasha Sookun presented findings from genetic studies on Mauritian seaweed, highlighting opportunities for optimized cultivation.
General Takeaways
The island nation of Mauritius is strategically positioning its marine resources at the forefront of a sustainable development paradigm through the Resilient Island Endeavour (R.I.S.E.) Project. This initiative, a collaboration between Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud (CISS) and the Environmental Protection and Conservation Organisation (EPCO), focuses on the cultivation of Ulva Lactuca (sea lettuce) to address critical challenges in food security and climate change resilience. This endeavour represents a significant exploration into the potential of seaweed aquaculture within the context of a Small Island Developing State (SIDS).
Nutritional and Agronomic Applications of Ulva Lactuca: A Multifaceted Approach
Research indicates that Ulva Lactuca possesses a rich nutritional profile, qualifying it as a potential superfood. Its high concentrations of essential minerals, including iron (137 mg/100g), magnesium (2250 mg/100g), and calcium (3052 mg/100g), alongside the presence of all essentials amino acids, underscore its value in dietary diversification. The R.I.S.E. Project aims to translate these nutritional benefits into accessible food products for the local population through targeted training and market development strategies. This initiative aligns with global trends recognizing the potential of algae as a sustainable food source.
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| The seaweed workshop participants with the Dean of Faculty of Agriculture On the right side And Minister Honorable Dr K.Sukon |
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| Students of the Faculty of Agriculture |
Furthermore, the project investigates the application of Ulva Lactuca as a bio-stimulant in agriculture. Seaweed-based fertilizers have demonstrated the capacity to enhance soil fertility, improve plant growth, and increase resilience to abiotic stresses such as water scarcity. The macro and micro minerals present in seaweed contribute to improved soil aeration and can play a role in pest management, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical inputs. This approach is particularly relevant for Mauritius, which faces increasing challenges from climate change impacts on agricultural productivity.
Scaling Seaweed Aquaculture in Mauritius: Feasibility and Considerations
The feasibility of scaling seaweed farming in Mauritius is supported by the island's substantial seaweed biodiversity, with over 435 recorded species. The government's strategic emphasis on the "blue economy" as a driver for economic growth provides a supportive policy environment for aquaculture development. While the R.I.S.E. Project operates at a community level, the global market for seaweed is experiencing significant expansion, presenting opportunities for Mauritius to establish a more substantial industry.
However, the transition to large-scale seaweed aquaculture necessitates careful consideration of several factors. These include the identification of suitable cultivation sites, the development of efficient harvesting methodologies, and the implementation of robust biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of disease. Furthermore, establishing a well-defined regulatory framework and ensuring access to financial resources are crucial for attracting investment and fostering sustainable growth. Learning from successful seaweed aquaculture initiatives in other island nations, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, can provide valuable insights for Mauritius.
Environmental Implications and Sustainability
Seaweed aquaculture offers several environmental co-benefits, including carbon sequestration and the bioremediation of nutrient-rich waters. By absorbing carbon dioxide, seaweed cultivation can contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Additionally, the uptake of excess nutrients can help to improve water quality in coastal ecosystems. The R.I.S.E. Project explicitly promotes sustainable seaweed farming practices to minimize potential negative impacts on the marine environment. While generally considered environmentally benign, careful site selection and adherence to best practices are essential to avoid habitat disruption and ensure the long-term ecological sustainability of seaweed aquaculture.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The R.I.S.E. Project in Mauritius exemplifies a progressive approach to leveraging marine resources for sustainable development. By focusing on the dual applications of Ulva Lactuca as a superfood and a bio-stimulant, the initiative addresses critical needs in nutrition and agricultural resilience within the context of climate change. While challenges exist in scaling up seaweed aquaculture, the inherent potential of Mauritius' marine environment, coupled with supportive government policies and growing global market demand, presents a promising trajectory for the development of a significant blue economy sector. Future research and development efforts should focus on optimizing cultivation techniques, exploring diverse applications of seaweed biomass, and establishing robust value chains to ensure the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of this emerging industry in Mauritius.
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