TANINTHAYI Region produced seaweed ash (kelp ash), and exported 143.499 tonnes until the December 2024-2025 financial year, according to the region’s Fishery Association.
In 2007, the seaweed species Cottonic , Spinosum , and Gracilaria were imported from Indonesia and were cultivated in 16 acres of farming fields in Kywegu, Pasoot, Mawdoon, Donplaeaw and Saraw in Kyunsu Township, whereas 240 acres in Bokpyin Township in 2022- 2023.
The cultivation of kelp is a manageable scale operation, and the process has become successful in some ASEAN countries. Myanmar possesses good opportunities to produce marine products along the long coastal region at low expenses. Currently, the Korean industry is established in Myeik.
There are many species of seaweeds and they grow in saltwater and changing temperatures, and are useful for the rich in nutrients. Moreover, some countries use them as valuable compounds in sushi, salad, soup, cosmetics and other industries. The seaweed can be grown with a floating line in the sea, and it can be harvested after 45 days. The seaweed farmers do not need to feed them, so it is a cost-effective business.
“The kelp is described as sea bird’s nests in Malaysia. There is a specific market and the framing expense is cheap, so, it is a manageable scale. It is just an effective way of using the sea. The kelp is purchased mostly for food and cosmetics, and there should be a proper market. Korea and Thailand purchase the kelp from Myeik. Korean industry is in Myeik. The fish eat kelp and the people farm the kelp using the nets. The production cost is low and they can grow naturally. I think the kelp farming will be successful one day,” said U Thet Soe, secretary of the association.
The kelp supports the ecosystem of the coastal region, and also the food, medicine and commodity production. Moreover, officials organize a workshop on protecting kelp.
The expansion of kelp farming is a preventive measure for global food security, biodiversity losses and climate changes, and a supportive compound for food and cosmetic production. Such expansion can create job opportunities for locals, and create a manageable scale operation. Taninthayi Region exported 143.499 tonnes of kelp worth US$0.071 million in the 2024- 2025 financial year. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/KTZH
