TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME TCP/MDV/4452 Field Document 2 FEASIBILITY STUDY ON FARMING, PROCESSING AND EXPORT OF EUCHEUMA(SEAWEEDS) LAAMU ATOLL MALDIVES based on the work of Ruben T. Barraca, Sr. Seaweed Culture Specialist

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

Bangkok, 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.   INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background Information

1.2   Activities

2.   CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING THE SUITABILITY OF LAAMU ATOLL FOR EUCHEUMA CULTURE

2.1   Site Physical and The Biological Requirements

2.2   Site Location

2.3   Site Expansion

2.4   Processing and Transport

2.5   Labour Availability

2.6   Research Facilities

3.   BENEFITS OF CULTIVATING EUCHEUMA (MARINE PLANTS)

3.1   Scientific/Biological Benefits

3.2   Economic Benefits

3.3   Social-Political Benefits

4.   PERFORMANCE OF THE TEST PLANTS AT GAMU ISLAND

5.   CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1   Technology for Seaweed Farming

5.2   Processing and Marketing

6.   COMMENTS ABOUT THE SEA CUCUMBER PROJECT