Marine Scientists Create Sustainable Solutions for The Cattle Industry's Emissions Problem
Description
Asparagopsis, a red seaweed, has grabbed the attention of agricultural and science communities due to its ability to combat the amount of gas passed out of cattle and other livestock, reducing their methane emissions by almost 90 per cent.
Partners
Australian Seaweed Institute, FutureFeed
Impact
Research has shown farming the wild product adjacent to coral reef systems could also be beneficial, by improving water quality, contributing to maintaining the health of the reef.
Researchers at CQUniversity’s Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) based in Gladstone in Queensland are leading research into the offshore farming of this red seaweed and are excited by the commercial and environmental opportunities the underwater crop is unearthing.
Ms Theobald said Asparagopsis also takes up nutrients really quickly and therefore farming the seaweed along the near-shore coastline could help prevent coral bleaching and protect the reef after heavy rainfall.
Ms Theobald’s research is being conducted as part of the Australian Seaweed Institute’s innovative, nature-based solution for seaweed Biofilters to help protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Researchers/Collaborators
Emma Theobald, Najeen Rula, Dr Manoj Kumar
PhD researcher Emma Theobald said there were still lots of challenges preventing the large-scale farming of this seaweed globally, but there were huge opportunities for Australia to capitalise on this emerging industry.
“Queensland has two species of this red seaweed, with one (Asparagopsis taxiformis) suited to warm water and the focus of my project,” explained Ms Theobald.
“My project is around the reproduction of the seaweed, so I’m looking at what conditions best suits the species – temperature, light and nutrients – to maximise its productivity.”
She said it was a challenging project due to the three-part life stage of the seaweed, but she hoped to be successful in triggering the spore production and developing techniques to grow the next life stage ready to be transferred to the ocean for further growth.
According to CMERC’s Seaweed Lead, Dr Manoj Kumar, understanding what triggers the reproduction in Asparagopsisis crucial not only to managing its life cycle, but ensuring consistent spore supply for seeding regardless of season.
“This project is of high importance for finding solutions to upscale biomass production in both land and ocean farming environments,” Dr Kumar said.
“By gaining insights into the reproductive mechanisms, researchers can initiate breeding efforts, refine protoplast isolation for efficient biomass generation, and employ genetic engineering methodologies to develop Asparagopsis varieties with desired traits, contributing to the sustainable growth and application of this valuable marine resource.”
Considering the huge commercial potential of Asparagopsis, CMERC’s PhD researcher Najeen Rula is looking at developing sustainable ways of harvesting the seaweed.
“I’m currently conducting field observations and modelling to study its distribution and growth patterns, and field experiments to determine the effects of harvesting on its growth and reproduction,” she explained.
“All this information is fundamental for the sustainable use of this resource.
“Part of my study will also look at the potential of harvesting as a means to prevent seaweed overgrowth in corals or artificial substrates such as wharves or pontoons.”
CMERC’s red seaweed projects have been sponsored by the Australian Seaweed Institute and FutureFeed.
Connect with CQUniversity
At CQUniversity we know the value of our connections locally and around the world. Our partnerships help us create opportunities, deliver solutions and change lives. From time to time, we share our Connections Count update where we share our highlights, including research impact stories like the ones above. Sign up to become one of our valued connections.
