Diversifying Malaysia’s Seaweed Aquaculture: Emerging Species, Policy Frameworks, and Future Directions

This chapter explores Malaysia’s efforts to diversify seaweed farming beyond the commonly cultivated Kappaphycus and Eucheuma to build a more resilient seaweed industry. Drawing on recent production data, nutritional studies, and cultivation trials, the chapter reviews their biological characteristics, farming methods, post-harvest considerations, and potential applications in food, health products, bioplastics, and environmental management. The chapter also discusses the social and environmental considerations of expanding seaweed cultivation, including improved livelihoods and ecosystem services as well as challenges with market volatility, biosecurity risks, and habitat disturbance. Key drivers of the Malaysian seaweed sector, including the National Agrofood Policy 2021–2030, were also examined. Finally, the chapter outlines future directions focused on R&D investment, product innovation, and value-chain strengthening to support Malaysia’s growing seaweed aquaculture sector.