Climatic variation poses a significant threat to global seaweed production and fisheries, yet little is understood about its impacts on small-scale aquatic food systems. This study investigated the dynamics of restorative seaweed production in five farming villages in Kwale County, Kenya. It focused on the impact of environmental stressors, technological limitations, and socioeconomic factors. Individual questionnaire interviews, encompassing both open-ended and closed-ended questions, were utilised. The study employed a clustered randomised sampling design, and the Kobo Toolbox was used to collect data. The survey revealed that climate variability, particularly during the strong southeast monsoon (SEM) winds, caused the uprooting of seaweed, while the northeast monsoon (NEM) brought disease (ice-ice) and epiphytes, thus significantly impeding seaweed biomass production and carrageenan quality.
A temperature rise was identified as the most severe environmental stressor (42%). The impact was magnified by several constraints, such as the lack of harvesting boats (74%) and boat engines (39%). Security concerns were prevalent, with 44% reporting theft of either seaweed (37%) or tools (63%), which further magnified the losses, especially during extreme weather events. Farmers exhibited varied responses to ice-ice disease, with 37% cutting affected areas and 24% drying diseased plants. A substantial majority (78%) lacked seaweed farming calendars; however, 92% expressed a strong desire for this guidance tool.
Despite being an environmentally sustainable aquaculture practice, the study underscores the need for alternative farming systems like a raft and long-line methods that can withstand harsh climatic changes. The detrimental impact of epiphytes on biomass and carrageenan quality during certain times of the year necessitates innovative solutions. Therefore, there is a need for innovations to address changing climatic conditions, diversification and expansion of seaweed farming to deep and stable (in terms of water quality) offshore waters using innovative methods to ensure sustainability.
Key words: Mariculture, Seaweeds, Climate, Environment, Innovations, Challenges