Asparagopsis taxiformis, red seaweed to be exact. It is designed to serve as a supplement for livestock to reduce the methane production. Research discovers that by adding 0.4% of the seaweed supplement to a cow’s feed, it drastically cuts the emissions by more than 90%. The A. taxiformis impedes hydrogen and carbon dioxide from combining to form methane, CH₄. Looking closely, the red seaweed has a bioactive compound called bromoform that stops a methane-producing enzyme.
During research studies , pasture-cows were fed normal feed to serve as the control group, while the other group had seaweed supplement in their feed. The cows that were fed with seaweed supplement produced 6.5% less milk, however, their methane levels dropped by 65%. . In addition, the cows fed high doses of A. taxiformis consumed less food, which complicates the meat production process as it takes longer for them to fatten up. Another potential solution to tackling climate change comes from Bren Smith, a former cod fisherman. He grows shellfish and sea vegetable kelp, but with a different approach. By employing a low tech model, the process has no need for chemicals or fertilizers which lowers the production costs. The kelp is harvested from lines connected to buoys, which creates groves that serve as sanctuaries for many aquatic life. Smith is able to produce up to thirty tons of kelp annually, which could feed the entire world with more ocean farms. Regardless, the issue is that many people are unaware of this superfood. Seaweed contains a large amount of Omega 3 fatty acids, as well as protein and vitamin C. Kelp can also absorb five times the amount of carbon compared to farm plants, which helps combat ocean acidification. Seaweed, or kelp, both are potent greenhouse gas sponges facilitated by innovation and the desire to conserve our planet. As it stands, both solutions are a work in progress, but hold promising potential in saving our planet.
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