NIFS announced that it developed the technique for the artificial seed production of and indoor artificial seeding of Capsosiphon fulvescens (also known as Maesaengi in Korean) based on the life cycle of C. fulvescens. 

C. fulvescens is one of the representative and popular seaweeds in S. Korea, but its harvest yields* vary significantly from year to year due to its dependence on the natural seeding method. Recently, the technique for artificial seed production has been demand-driven for sustainable supply under the circumstances that the areas suitable for natural seeding have continuously decreased due to climate change.

*3,789 tons in 2022, 2,744 tons in 2023, and 1,748 tons in 2024 

The Seaweed Research Institute of NIFS revealed the complicated life-history stages of C. fulvescens including asexual and sexual reproduction phases, succeeding in developing the technique for artificial seeding using cyst-zygote*. It also revealed the optimal indoor conditions for the formation of cyst-zygote, conducted field application tests, and verified the possibility that steady and sustainable production of C. fulvescens is possible through artificial seeding even in sea areas unsuitable for natural seeding.

*A cyst zygote refers to the stage where the fertilized egg (zygote) develops into a dormant, protective, cyst-like structure. This resting stage is crucial for the organism’s survival and life cycle especially for commercial cultivation. 

The institute also produced 「A Guide to Artificial Seed Production of Capsosiphon fulvescens」, which clearly lays out the techniques for artificial seed production and indoor artificial seeding. The manual will be distributed to fishermen and on-site workers in the fisheries sector for stronger technical support. 

The president Choi, Yong-seok of NIFS said, “The result is even more meaningful in that the scientific aquaculture technique based on ecological traits tackled the difficulties in C. fulvescens seed production. NIFS will work on spreading the technique for artificial seed production of C. fulvescens to the field.”