Global estimates of suitable areas for marine algae farming

Abstract Marine algae, both macro and micro, have gained increasing attention for their numerous ecosystem service functions, such as food raw materials provision climate change mitigation. Currently, the practice of large-scale algae farming is limited to Asian waters, but significant interest has arisen from other continents. However, there a lack knowledge about areas with suitable environmental conditions expanding on global scale. Previous studies primarily focused nutrient availability thermal constraints when assessing potential culture. This study uses species distribution models based an ensemble consensus approach determine extent takes into account multiple factors that may affect feasibility Our results show approximately 20.8 million km 2 ocean (∼13.8% economic exclusive zones) marine species, most located near coastline. Surprisingly, four out top five countries largest area seaweed farming, including Australia, Russia, Canada, US, 30% total areas, yet they currently produce less than 1% seaweed. Several promising characteristics cultivation, viability commercial production remains uncertain subject further assessment social acceptance. Further research ecological benefits could also promote development ecologically friendly financially viable mariculture industry. provides scientific basis decision-makers understand expansion feasible pathways ultimate goal ensuring sustainable utilization resources.