HDPE rafts developed in Visakhapatnam could revolutionise India’s seaweed farming

A strong floating raft technology crafted by researchers at the ICAR Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Visakhapatnam has the potential to greatly increase seaweed cultivation along India's coastline.

The newly designed 3×3 metre floating rafts are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), an industrial-grade material engineered to withstand rough coastal conditions. The HDPE rafts are strong and able to sustain large-scale seaweed farming even in high-wave conditions, in contrast to traditional bamboo rafts, which are prone to decay and structural failure in rough seas.

According to the scientists behind the innovation, the rafts can remain functional in seawater for decades, making them a cost-effective and scalable alternative for coastal communities. The technology has been developed over nearly a decade by researchers at CMFRI’s Visakhapatnam Regional Centre as part of efforts to modernise India’s seaweed farming practices.

Seaweed, a nutrient-rich marine algae, is widely consumed in coastal diets and is a key raw material for fertilisers, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Despite having an extensive coastline of nearly 11,000 kilometres, India currently contributes only about 0.1 per cent to global seaweed production.

Researchers believe the introduction of durable HDPE rafts could help bridge this gap by enabling consistent cultivation in open coastal waters. The technology is now being considered for adoption under various government schemes, with strong potential for deployment along the Andhra Pradesh coastline and other suitable coastal regions across the country.

If implemented at scale, the innovation could open new livelihood opportunities for coastal fishers and position India as a stronger player in the global seaweed economy.