THE outlook for the production of raw seaweed this year is quite grim as the Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP) has projected it may drop by 60 percent due mainly to global warming.

SIAP president Benson Dakay disclosed that raw seaweed production may reach only 55,000 metric tons (MT), from the annual average of 120,000 MT due to the increased temperature of seawater.

“The low supply of raw-seaweeds is evident in the prices which is now at $3,000 per metric ton or P125 per kilo,” said Dakay in a telephone interview.

Raw seaweed is used for the manufacture of carageenan, considered one of the major exports of the Philippines.

A decline in local raw- seaweed production would force carageenan manufacturers like Dakay to source them from other countries like Indonesia.

While the situation is lamentable, SIAP said the industry has yet to see any action from the government to help seaweed farmers.

In a press statement, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is seeking to expand seaweed farming.

The DA, however, did not provide any other details on expanding seaweed farming.

Apart from lower seaweed production, Dakay said carageenan manufacturers also have to contend with rising fuel costs and the slash in export revenues due to a stronger peso.

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Raw seaweed production seen to drop 60%

THE outlook for the production of raw seaweed this year is quite grim as the Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP) has projected it may drop by 60 percent due mainly to global warming.