Micah R. Landon-Lane1, Jeffrey T. Wright1, Catriona L. Hurd1, Masayuki Tatsumi2
1Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
2Sea Forest, Triabunna, TAS, Australia
Seaweeds have a recognised high value in the niche fresh seafood market in Australia, met primarily by imports. However, Southern Australia, particularly Tasmania, has a high diversity of seaweeds that can meet this domestic demand. This study investigates the viability of growing native Tasmanian Caulerpa species in aquaculture with the goal of producing a healthy, sustainable, and desirable human food source. We examined the regrowth potential and palatability of Caulerpa species which are morphologically similar to the highly valued C. lentillifera and C. racemosa.
We identified six vesiculate, native Tasmanian Caulerpa species as candidates for aquaculture: C. geminata, C. cactoides, C. simpliciuscula, C. sedoides, C. hodgkinsoniae, and C. vesiculifera. The regrowth potential of a subset of these species was tested in lab experiments where fragments of various size and morphological type were cultured and the percentage of fragments regrowing and growth rates (increases in length, surface area and biomass) of fragments determined. Generally, these species had high levels of regrowth during the experiment, but this varied with species, fragment size and fragment type.
The palatability of Tasmanian Caulerpa species in human taste tests was generally considered to be positive, although there were some key differences among species in areas such as overall enjoyment and texture. Overall, these experiments suggest Tasmanian Caulerpa can be grown in land-based aquaculture systems, but that some Caulerpa are more desirable than others and should be prioritised for cultivation. The next stages of this project aim to optimise cultivation conditions and upscale production of these species.