The Farmer
Commercial seaweed farming started in most geographies 50 years ago and is still a very labour intensive sector. It provides multiple jobs along entire coastlines. In most regions seaweed farming is still a family activity where women play a substantial role. In other cases, corporate structures have developed around the industry.
Explore The Farmer by Species
Gracilaria
Most of the farmers we met in Indonesia had been cultivating Gracilaria, milk fish and shrimp in brackishwater ponds in Maros district, South Sulawesi. They have been living in the pond or coastal areas for many years, but do not own their farm sites. They are usually trusted to manage the ponds by a landlord who is living in Makassar or a different city and operate with a profit sharing model.
Farmer responsible for 3-4 hectare brackish water pond in Maros, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Proud farmer holding up long line with strong Gracilaria growth in Indonesia. (Photo courtesy of Boedi Julianto)
Explore another seaweed species:
Eucheumatoids | Saccharina | Undaria | Pyropia | Gracilaria
Or continue to the next Farm Insights
