Because of developments in seaweed farming starting 1973, however, seaweed has become a major fishery export of the Philippines and continues to generate increased revenues for the economy. The standard recognizes seaweed as an important global commodity and promotes best practices aimed at limiting its ecological impact. The Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Marine Stewardship Council released a joint seaweed standard in 2017, which focuses on the sustainability and traceability of farmed and wild-harvested seaweed. This is popularly done in Palawan and several islands and provinces in Mindanao. Most seaweed available in the market is farmed. Wild harvesting of seaweed can be done but needs the right permits and guidance from the government. It requires laboratory tests and proper classifications, especially if the variety is questionable. Wild harvesting, however, presents more difficulties as seaweed still needs to be tested appropriately. Seaweed can be wild-harvested or also farmed in aquacultures. Seaweed can be farmed in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable way But strict regulation must be made because fish ponds can also have a harmful effect on the environment, including deforestation of mangrove forests. “This means much more aquaculture is needed in the country,” Schmidradner says.

It’s a ratio that is aimed to be turned around in the next years to decrease the pressure on wild stocks while ensuring food security.

Currently, there is a ratio of about 70 percent wild-caught seafood to 30 percent aquaculture-harvested.

Guso seaweed salad