Present status of naturally occurring seaweed flora and their utilization in Bangladesh

Abstract

A survey was conducted to know the present status of naturally occurring seaweed flora and their utilization in Bangladesh by interviews of scientific officers of MFTS (Marine Fisheries and Technology Station, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Cox’s Bazar), NGO officials associated with seaweed research project, local seaweed food products manufacturer, seaweed collectors and Mog or Rakhyine tribal community of Cox’s Bazar and St. Martin Island. Lack of knowledge on availability, distribution, seasonal variation, utilization status is causing impediment on utilization (e.g. seaweeds as human food, hydrocolloids, animal feed, fertilizer, cosmetic products, etc.) of available seaweeds naturally occurring in Bangladesh. Seaweeds are available along the whole Bangladeshi coast, mostly in St. Martin Island, Cox’s Bazar and Sundarbans Mangrove forest. Total 193seaweed species including 19 commercially important species, belonging to 94 genera are found. Approximately, 5,000 metric ton of seaweed biomass is available. Due to seasonal variation in water quality parameters, generally seaweeds are available from October to April, but highest abundance occurs from January to March. Seaweed salad and sauce has been utilizing by Mog people as food. About 400 seaweed collectors at St. Martin Island annually harvested 6-9 metric tons of wet seaweeds (Hypnea spp.) for smuggling to Myanmar. Different value added food, functional food and personal care products have prepared by Govt. institution, NGO and in private sector. Considering the economic importance and potentials of seaweeds, for effective and environmentally sustainable utilization, special concern is required by both government and private organizations.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(1): 203-216, April 2016

Effect of solvents on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Padina tetrastromatica and Gracilaria tenuistipitata seaweeds collected from Bangladesh

“…In addition, seaweed has a wide range of bioactive compounds that have antibacterial, anti-Alzheimer’s, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-aging activities, and preferable antioxidant properties 21 – 24 . Seaweed diversity is vibrant on the Bangladesh coast and described that there are approximately 193 algal species, of which 51 Chlorophyta (green), 54 Phaeophyta (brown), and 88 are Rhodophyta (red) class occurring on Bangladesh coastline 25 .…”

Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant potentiality and antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extracts of Rosenvingea sp. of Bay of Bengal

“…Other than these, seaweed liquid fertilizer has been getting its popularity as it possesses important plant growth factors like auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellins which are important for plant growth, seed germination, and photosynthetic pigmentation (Thirumaran et al, 2009). To date, 193 seaweed species have been identified in Bangladesh; out of them, 19 species have been reported to have commercial importance, associated with 94 genera (Sarkar et al, 2016). The present study has shown the qualitative phytochemical analysis, potential antioxidant activity, cytotoxic and antibacterial activity of the Rosenvingea ethanol extract found in St. Martin Island of Bay of Bengal for the first time.…”

First Report of the Red Algal Genus Chondria C. Agardh (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) for the Marine Flora of Bangladesh

“…Among all the mangrove-associated flora reported from Bangladesh, most of them belong to the Bostrychietum group. A recent catalog of 193 seaweed species from Bangladesh belonging to 94 genera associated with three major divisions (Chlorophyta-green algae, Phaeophyta-brown algae and Rhodophyta-red algae), including many from the Sundarbans (around 60 species), was published by Sarkar et al [11]. The present report adds Chondria, a genus hitherto unreported from Bangladesh.…”