Why grow Ulva? Its potential role in the future of aquaculture

Recent literature reports that the future of seaweed aquaculture lies in two directions; in the medium term towards high value products such as functional foods and nutraceuticals, whereas in the longer term the feeding of humanity will require expanded production of low trophic level products from the sea. We make a case that species of Ulva are easy to grow, can be commercially successful in integrated systems, are particularly successful for nutrient removal (bioremediation) in land-based systems, and are beneficial as feed components for marine animals. There is a diverse and rapidly growing literature on health benefits from the consumption of Ulva. We provide evidence for a prediction that current technological and market constraints will be overcome, and that Ulva will become a major component of global marine aquaculture