A pathway to improve seaweed aquaculture through microbiota manipulation

Eukaryotic hosts are associated with microbial communities that are critical to their function. Microbiota manipulation using beneficial microorganisms, for example, in the form of animal probiotics or plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), can enhance host performance and health. Recently, seaweed beneficial microorganisms (SBMs) have been identified that promote the growth and development and/or improve disease resistance of seaweeds. This knowledge coincides with global initiatives seeking to expand and intensify seaweed aquaculture. Here, we provide a pathway with the potential to improve commercial cultivation of seaweeds through microbiota manipulation, highlighting that seaweed restoration practices can also benefit from further understanding SBMs and their modes of action. The challenges and opportunities of different approaches to identify and apply SBMs to seaweed aquaculture are discussed.

Automated summary

Eukaryotic hosts rely on microbial communities for their proper functioning, and manipulating these microbiota through beneficial microorganisms can enhance host performance and health. Seaweed beneficial microorganisms have been found to promote seaweed growth and development, as well as improve disease resistance. This knowledge can be applied to improve seaweed aquaculture and restoration practices. The challenges and opportunities of using seaweed beneficial microorganisms in aquaculture are discussed.