By www.abc.net.au
Whiting stocks in the eastern Spencer Gulf must not be affected by what the South Australian Government hopes will be a "game-changing industry" in seaweed farming, locals have warned.
The State Government wants to alter a 60-hectare aquaculture zone in Hardwicke Bay to allow seaweed cultivation — kickstarting a $140-million industry state-wide that will create livestock supplements that reduce greenhouse emissions from cattle.
Key points:
The SA Government proposes commercial seaweed farms in Hardwicke Bay
Seaweed can be used as a livestock supplement to reduce methane emissions
The Australian Seaweed Institute releases a $1.5 billion industry blueprint
Seaweed to reduce emissions
Australian Seaweed Institute chief executive officer Jo Kelly said seaweed infrastructure was similar to oyster or mussel farms, with the algae often cultivated on long lines attached to buoys at the water's surface.
She said Asparagopsis variety of seaweed was native to SA waters and, when fed to cattle in small amounts as a supplement, could reduce their methane emissions by "over 99 per cent in some cases".
"There hasn't been a lot of research on the ecosystem impact of these things, but we do know that it improves water quality, reduces the likelihood of outbreaks of blue green algae or toxic algae type blooms," Ms Kelly said.
"The great thing about seaweed is there's no additions, no fertiliser, no inputs needed, and there's no waste like you might get with something like a fish farm.
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