Preliminary estimates of potential areas forseaweed farming along the Indian coast

India has enormous potential for seaweed mariculture; however, mass scale commercial farming of seaweeds is yet to take off successfully in the country. R&D efforts over the years have resulted in techno-scientific improvements in farming technologies such as floating rafts, net-tubes, long-lines, and cage based IMTA systems for seaweed culture. However, a few challenges remain, particular in identifying potential sites, its demarcation and developing suitable and sustainable spatial plans for seaweed farming on a country-wide, commercial perspective.