Tag: Marine products

Did you know that up to a quarter of the world's commercially caught fish is used for fishmeal and fish oil production? This high-volume industry raises a crucial question: can humans eat fishmeal, or are there significant risks involved with consuming this animal feed?

In Okinawa, Japan, a region known for its healthy, long-living populations, sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera) are a regular dietary staple. This edible seaweed, often called 'green caviar' for its unique texture, has gained global attention, leading many to question: are sea grapes considered a superfood?

According to the World Wildlife Fund, over three billion people worldwide rely on wild-caught and farmed seafood as a significant source of animal protein. However, determining the exact percentage of the population that eats seafood is complex due to vast regional and cultural differences in dietary habits.

Red algae, or Rhodophyta, are among the oldest types of eukaryotic algae, with thousands of species having been used for centuries across various cultures. Understanding how do we use red algae today reveals its profound impact on human industries, health, and the health of marine ecosystems.

With over 7,000 recognized species, red algae constitute one of the largest and oldest groups of eukaryotic algae, and humans have leveraged their unique properties for centuries. The question, 'What do humans use red algae for?', unlocks a surprising array of applications that span food, medicine, and industrial manufacturing.