SEA LETTUCE -UPSC Current Affairs

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Context

In the DNA analysis of the sea lettuce found, 20 unique species and subspecies are identified.
It also marks the presence of three invasive species.
This study will be helpful in understanding the threat of invasive species to the biological diversity of indigenous species of sea lettuce.
This will also help in protection of the associated ecosystems in Baltic sea region.
It also recommends discouraging the use of invasive species

Sea Lettuce

These sea lettuce consists of a edible green algae Green macroalgae of genus Ulva.
There could be many other species of the green algae Ulva.
These are distributed abundantly form the Atlantic waters to Bay of Bothnia in Baltic Sea region.
Research and exploration is going on to find other species of this lettuce.
These lettuce are characterised by an easy and fast growth, mainly grows on cliff and rock at the edge, making them significant to aquaculture industry.
Sea lettuce finds its application in various industries like food industry.
It is quite high in nutritional values like protein, dietary fibre, and healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids.
They are also used for different biochemical applications.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture is also known as aquafarming.
It is a controlled cultivation of aquatic plant and animals for food. In an aquatic environment it involves processes like breeding, rearing, and harvesting of marine organism. Such organism could be variety of algae, lotus , various fishes, crustaceans, shellfish, algae etc.
The aquatic medium could be freshwater, brackish water and saltwater
- It can be done in natural environments like Esturies, rivers, Or
- In Artificial aquatic environment like pond, fish tanks, rice fields etc.

Must read Article:

Environment and Ecosystem:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/world-environment-day-9

PRACTICE QUESTION

Discuss how sea lettuce could be a significant food option contributing to the food security around the world. Also explain the threat of invasive species to the indigenous biodiversity of an ecosystem.

(250 words)