Seaweeds for the sustainable blue economy development: A study from the south east coast of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a maritime country with an area of 118000 km(2) which supports a large number of commercially important species. Currently seaweeds are considered as important component of blue economy development in Bangladesh and farming is practiced at small scale level (Hypnea spp, Caulerpha reacemosa, Gelidium sp. are cultured). For the expansion of the seaweed farming in Bangladesh, a complete understanding of social and economic status of current farmers is important. However, information on socio-economic status of seaweed industry in Bangladesh is very limited. Therefore, this study aimed to understand existing culture methods and their cost, marketing channel and problems with seaweed farming in south east coast of Bangladesh. We used questionnaire survey and focus group discussions to collect data…