Mexico: The Potential of Seaweed

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 — Holiday Special

PROGRAM #10609 12:00 PM PT 

Mexico Edition: The Potential of Seaweed.

In recent years, the coasts in the Mexican Caribbean have been invaded by unusual amounts of seaweed, a brown algae that has caused problems for locals, tourists and the environment. But what some see as an enemy and a disaster, for scientists is an opportunity to generate biodiesel, build bricks, cultivate mushrooms and other commercial uses of seaweed. Meantime, kelp forests along the Pacific coast of California and Baja California are being devastated in unprecedented proportions. What’s been done to restore kelp forests and prevent them from disappearing from the sea? Also, edible seaweed is part of traditional cuisine in many cultures and its production can help sustain coastal economies. How are fresh seaweeds prepared and consumed around the world? What’s been done to promote the cultivation and marketing of seaweed for human consumption? 

Guests: Jessica Pantoja, Oceanographer and scientific diver, Kelp forest restoration expert, Ensenada, MX; Génesis Samanta León Santos, Oceanographer, Spirulina production project, Ensenada, MX; Dr. José Antonio Zertuche Gonzalez, Researcher, Autonomous University of Baja California-UABC, Ensenada, MX; Víctor Rodriguez, Conservation Journalist, Ensenada, MX.

Photo: noaa.gov

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