Akanksha Naik, Gayatri Pillai, Reena Pandit
The edible green macroalga Monostroma has gained increasing attention as a sustainable marine bioresource owing to its simple monostromatic thallus, rapid growth, and high nutritional and biotechnological value. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of current trends and emerging perspectives on Monostroma, covering its taxonomy, distribution, life cycle, ecological roles, and cultural significance. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in cultivation techniques, including natural and artificial seeding, tank-based optimization, and emerging breeding approaches such as protoplast fusion and somatic hybridization. The chapter also highlights the expanding applications of Monostroma in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and biopolymer-based materials, alongside regulatory and safety considerations. Particular focus is given to the Indian context, where pilot-scale cultivation, ecological suitability, and socio-economic potential align with national blue economy goals. Despite its promise, challenges related to seed quality, environmental sensitivity, fouling, and scale-up remain. Addressing these constraints through integrated research, advanced breeding tools, and community-based aquaculture models can position Monostroma as a viable and high-value component of sustainable seaweed farming and the global blue bioeconomy.