Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2024, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (6): 27-36.doi: 10.11978/2023182CSTR: 32234.14.2023182

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A prospectus for the theory, technology and application of seaweed negative emissions

YANG Yufeng1(), ZOU Ligong1, HE Zhili1, ZHANG Yongyu2, WANG Qing1   

  1. 1. College of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province, Jinan University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangzhou 510632, China
    2. Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
  • Received:2023-12-04 Revised:2024-01-10 Online:2024-11-10 Published:2024-12-05
  • Contact: YANG Yufeng
  • Supported by:
    The Marine Economic Development Project of Guangdong(GDNRC[2023]38)

Abstract:

Seaweed plays an important role as a primary producer in the ocean, contributing significantly to carbon capture and sequestration. It serves as an effective approach for achieving ocean carbon negative emissions. Seaweed has a vast cultivable area and a high capacity for carbon fixation and sequestration. Through the synergistic effects of biological carbon pump and microbial carbon pump, seaweed has the potential to become a vanguard for achieving negative emissions in the marine aquaculture. Based on the seaweed bioremediation technology, resource conservation technology, and ecological enhancement technology, it is possible to increase the resources of both cultivated and wild macroalgae, improve marine habitats, conserve fishery resources, and promote the development of ocean carbon sink fisheries. By utilizing seaweed green feed technology, it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas (e.g., methane) emissions from economic aquaculture and livestock animals. The large-scale cultivation and green, low-carbon utilization of seaweed can significantly contribute to the development of high-quality marine aquaculture and marine ecological security. Currently, although it is essential to focus on the theory of microbial carbon pump and negative emissions, as well as the development of carbon sequestration technologies in the seaweed ecosystem, we believe that it is necessary to establish accounting standards and methodologies for seaweed carbon sequestration and realize the value-added seaweed eco-products based on the full life cycle. The development of theoretical and technological approaches for macroalgae negative emissions is beneficial for implementing the national dual carbon strategy, and has important scientific significance and application potentials for achieving high-quality development of marine aquaculture and livestock based on coordinated land and marine development in China and the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

Key words: seaweed, ocean negative emissions, carbon sequestration theory, technology, application

CLC Number: 

  • X145