Action Summary:
Seaweed zygotes from Sargassum fulvellum were encapsulated in polysaccharide-like alginates to improve attachment. Growth rate was tested in the lab, then encapsulated zygotes were attached to PVC panels and concrete bricks and transplanted to the ocean.
Lessons Learned:
Zygotes encapsulated in alginates had better germination and growth rates in the field.
Project Outcomes:
In the laboratory, the germination percentage of encapsulated Sargassum zygotes was 70%±1.6%, similar to the rate of unencapsulated zygotes. In the field experiment, the germination density and growth rates of encapsulated zygotes were 4 and 7 times greater, respectively, than those of unencapsulated zygotes. The germination density and growth rate of encapsulated zygotes on concrete bricks were also greater.
