Seaweed resources of Mexico: current knowledge and future perspectives

High diversity of marine macroalgae is reported for Mexican coasts, including numerous endemic species. Seaweed research in Mexico has focused on the northern regions of the Pacific coast (Temperate Pacific and Gulf of California) and on the Mexican Caribbean coast, leaving aside other regions (Tropical Pacific and Gulf of Mexico). Utilization of seaweed resources within the country has been based on artisanal collection of wild populations mainly for polysaccharide extraction, fertilizers, raw material for animal feed and cosmetic products. The main exploitation has occurred along the coasts of Baja California peninsula, based on few species (Gelidium robustum, Macrocystis pyrifera, Chondracanthus canaliculatus and Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis). Governmental regulations for management have allowed harvesting to reach approximately 11,500 wet tons per year (2013-2016). Nevertheless, in recent years (2014-2016) the total seaweed import volume has increased (5302 tons per year in average) over the export volume (2156 tons per year in average), suggesting a notably growing demand for seaweed resources in the country and representing an opportunity for investment projects. Several pilot studies on seaweed cultivation in Mexico propose that sustainable aquaculture techniques could complement the harvest in natural populations and ensure a homogeneous production with high quality in the long term.