Production and Cost-benefit analysis of Gracilaria lemaneiformis and Ulva intestinalis culture in the Bakkhali River estuary, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Abstract
Seaweed culture is one of the aquaculture sectors with the fastest growth rates in the world. Agar, carrageenan, alginate, fiber, vitamins, and minerals can all be found in seaweed. It has been used as food and has a great role in climate change mitigation. Additionally, it may lessen carbon emissions and help fight climate change. The present study was conducted in the Bakkhali River estuary, Cox’s Bazar to produce seaweed and evaluate its financial benefits. The cultured seaweeds were Gracilaria lemaneiformis and Ulva intestinalis. Seaweed was cultured using long line rope methods. In the current study, a total of 48,720 kg (wet weight) of G. lemaneiformis and 7670 kg (wet weight) of U. intestinalis were produced. The water quality was monitored every 15 days. During the culture seasons, the parameters varied for temperature 28 ℃–30 ℃, salinity 30–32 ppt, pH 7.8–8.1, DO 4.5–5.1 mg/L, transparency 40–60 cm, and depth 0.25–1 m, respectively. The growth of both seaweeds showed significant differences in terms of culture period (p < 0.05). The winter season was found to be a good time for seaweed growth. The growth was high in January and February. Men and women from the coastal areas engaged in the seaweed culture. The farmers received culture materials from the Integrated Development Foundation (IDF). Both G. lemaneiformis and U. intestinalis were cultured by them. They spent BDT 10,151.1 on the production of G. lemaneiformis, and they earned BDT 34,251.7 from sales. Selling G. lemaneiformis resulted in a profit of BDT 24,100.6 for the farmers. They spent BDT 9300 for U. intestinalis, which they sold for BDT 25,840 in the market. Within three months, they made a profit of roughly BDT 16,540. The cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that seaweed cultivation is highly profitable in the Bakkhali River estuary and can be a significant contributor to Bangladesh’s blue economy.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.18686/fsa2302
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