The farming of Eucheuma or other marine plants for that matter, has various scientific/ biological benefits as well as economic and socio-political benefits. The benefits are outlined below.
Enhanced growth rates and productivity. The introduction of an exotic plant will fill the void existing in the intertidal zones where there is great potential for productivity.
Protection from grazing or predation. Most of the perceived predators are the coral fish which are abundant on the deep portion of the lagoon as well as outside the atoll. The grazing problems in the shallow coastal zones will be manageable if the new technology for Eucheuma farming is adapted.
Amenability to genetic isolation of favorable strains. Since Eucheuma will be an introduced species, only the best ones should be selected for introduction into the country. Later on, selection and genetic isolation can be done for strains that are adapted to the Maldivian environment.
Amenability to polyculture with marine animals. It is possible to have other projects such as sea cucumber and penned fish culture together with the seaweed culture.
Amenability to physiological and ecological studies of primary production. Seaweed farming is an interesting endeavour. Physiological and ecological studies can be done in relation to other flora and fauna of the atoll especially with the corals and their inhabitants.
Contribution to conservation of a natural resource. Farming seaweeds will indirectly conserve other natural resources such as coral, seagrass, fish, and other invertebrates. Intruders will not harm these plants and animals when they are within the limits of a seaweed farm.
Vegetative reproduction easily exploited. The success of the Eucheuma fanning is due to the fact that the plants are vegetatively propagated.
Higher productivity per unit area. Compared to the wild harvests, farming is able to concentrate or increase the productivity per unit area. When seaweed farming started in the '70s, the propagule density was about 5,000 kg/ha. Now the density has increased fourfold to 20,000 kg/ha. Consequently, the yield (dry form) also increased from about 10,000 kg/ha to about 50,000 kg/ha.
Higher quality of crops. Farmed crops are cleaner and can be regulated in terms of maturity in order to control the quality.
Greater harvesting accessibility. The seaweed farms are at walking distance from the shores of many islands, hence planting and harvesting process do not require sophisticated handling and transport equipment. Only a flat-bottomed boat such as the local dhoni is necessary.
Proximity to processing location. The processing location such as a farm house or shed and drying sheds can be built along the seashore adjacent to the seaweed farm.
Reliable revenue to cultivator and employees. The Eucheuma is a high value crop of short gestation. Harvesting can be done within a month after planting and continuously throughout the year. A farmer maintaining a 2,000-kg Eucheuma farm can have a monthly gross production of about 500 kg dry seaweeds with a farm gate value of not less than US$175.00, a very good income for the farmer. Entrepreneurs who would like to venture into seaweed farming are assured of a good profit if they manage the farm efficiently.
Predictability of yield. The new farming technology for Eucheuma assures stability of production barring occurrence of major calamities such as tidal waves or uplifting of the atolls.
Farmer's control over crop. The farmer plays a big role in the productivity of the seaweed farm. The seaweeds need frequent-tender-loving-care (FTLC) which only the farmer can give. If he practices FTLC, he can be sure the seaweeds will grow fast.
Technological spin-off. As soon as farm production is substantial, it is easy and simple to establish a processing plant that can produce up-graded or value-added-products.
Employment. In the Philippines, seaweed farming provided employment to thousands of island dwellers. It can be the same in the Maldives especially among the women folk, if there will be enough workers available.
Cottage industry approach and family stability. Seaweed farming keeps the family together. This endeavour is most often a family business where husband, wife, and children work together.
Simple, locally available technology in developing countries. The seaweed farming technology was developed by simple folks and designed to be simple and practical. Even an unschooled worker can do this work.
An appropriate technology for a region with a fishery-based economy. Fishing does not conflict with seaweed farming. For example, the husband can go fishing while the wife and children plant the seaweeds. This is more productive than wife and children having no income occupation. Fishery-based economy should also develop the non-fishery economy in order to improve the overall economy as well as utilize to the full extent the available natural resources of the country. In fact, agricultural development should be encouraged in the Maldives. Seaweed farming is similar to agriculture only that the reef flats are farmed instead of the land.
Local legal and political constraints. There are no visible local legal and political constraints. In fact, the government of the Maldives is greatly interested in the development of the seaweed industry in this country, and the Laamu Atoll has been designated for mariculture development. Contrary to some perceptions often seen in other countries, the seaweed farms can be an added attraction to the tourists instead of being an obstruction.
Public attitudes and perceptions. It appears that the Maldivians living in the Laamu Atoll welcome projects which help in the development of their community, especially in the aspect of livelihood generation. The people here are happy of the establishment of the Garment Factory, which provided employment opportunities for the women in this community. More women will be happy if the seaweed farms will be established in this area.
