This project aimed 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 through aquaculture has become the subject of great commercial and public interest.
As part of this project, IMAS researchers partnered with NRE and Sea Forest, to 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. This was achieved using an underwater towed video camera, photographs and dive surveys.
Over 12 months, scientists collected samples from 15 sites across five regions. High abundances of Asparagopsis were present in southeastern Tasmania, where Asparagopsis was often found year-round. Two distinct genetic lineages of Asparagopsis were also identified, with implications for the independent management of both populations.
The information delivered by this project will help to inform management of a growing industry.
The full project report can be viewed here.
