This project aims to investigate the distribution, biology and aquaculture potential of the red seaweed species Asparagopsis armata in Tasmania due to its potential to be part of the global solution to climate change.
Methane emissions from livestock are a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Bromoform, a chemical compound produced by Asparagopsis seaweeds, has been shown to greatly reduce methane emissions of cattle when added to their feed. As a result, producing large amounts of Asparagopsis by aquaculture has become the subject of great commercial and public interest.
Partnering with NRE and Sea Forest, IMAS researchers will measure the habitat and environmental preferences, abundance, genetic diversity, reproductive traits, and bromoform concentrations of A. armata at a suite of locations all over the state. The information delivered by this project will help to inform management of a growing industry.
