Seaweed culture farming in Sabah offers a promising nature-based aquaculture approach to address pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges in the region. As coastal communities face increasing threats from climate change, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and declining marine biodiversity, seaweed farming presents a sustainable alternative that contributes to both ecological and economic resilience. This approach not only enhances water quality through nutrient absorption but also promotes carbon sequestration, mitigating the impacts of climate change. Additionally, seaweed farming helps stabilize coastal ecosystems, providing vital habitats for marine life and acting as a buffer against storm surges. By fostering sustainable livelihoods for local communities, seaweed farming can create economic opportunities, particularly in rural coastal areas, while supporting the development of value-added products such as agar and carrageenan. However, the expansion of seaweed farming in Sabah requires careful management to address potential environmental impacts, market access challenges, and the need for technical expertise. Therefore, the present study explores the potential of seaweed culture farming in Sabah as a viable, scalable, and nature-based solution, emphasizing the importance of policy support, research and development, and community capacity building to ensure its long-term success.
Keywords: Seaweed F arming, Nature-based Aquaculture, Sustainability, and Coastal Resilience.