Algea cultivation in Palawan Island-Philippines

PALAWAN,PHILIPPINES-SEPTEMBER 2010: Algae cultivation in Palawan.In the 60s a US-processing seaweed has a contract to supply raw material of the algea Eucheuma in the Philippines for the production of carrageen. The carrageen also called Irish moss from whish is extracted a colloid used as a stabilizing agent by the food , pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.The insufficient supply of dried seaweed for processing has triggered the development in the culture of these species in Nothern Mindanao including Palawan.Cutting of algae are attached on submerged ropes, held taut betwwen stakes,following the main current.The export market of carrageen from Philippines include Europe, North and South America, Asia, New Zeland, Australia.In 2006 , 92 percent of the local production came from the Philippines ans 7 percent from China.1 million people in Philippines grew more than 58 000 ha algae.In 2005 the average annual production of dried seaweed was almost 125 000 tones, with an average value of 139 million USD. (Photo by Patrick Aventurier/Getty Images)