Marine algae in French Polynesia : from traditions to innovations
Résumé
In the South Pacific Islands, seaweeds have long been used as food, medicines
and ceremonial objects. Throughout the region, human consumption of
seaweeds is widespread (mainly Caulerpa) and, nowadays, few species
have been cultivated for phycocolloid industry (Eucheuma, Gracilaria,
Kappaphycus). These tropical seaweeds also contain an extremely important
chemodiversity (mainly terpenes, alkaloids, halogenated and phenolic
compounds) representing an original and innovative resource that is
not exploited until now. In French Polynesia, several research programs
are conducted to explore the diversity of marine algae as a source of
biotechnological applications. Extracts from 30 marine macroalgae
species (10 Chlorophyta, 11 Phaeophyceae, and 9 Rhodophyta) and 10
benthic cyanobacteria from French Polynesia were evaluated for several
biological activities. Some species could be used in cosmetic products
for their potent antioxidant activities (Amansia rhodantha, Sargassum
pacificum), other could be used in aquaculture for their strong antimicrobial
activities against two pathogens Tenacibaculum maritimum and Vibrio
harveyi (Dictyota bartayresiana). Furthermore, the French Polynesia politics
aims for several years to develop insular rural seaweed farming (mainly
Caulerpa and Gracilaria), and some co-culture projects (shrimps/seaweeds
or fish/seaweeds) are emerging. These researches could offer interesting
socio-economic opportunities for French Polynesia in the cosmetic, food,
agricultural and aquaculture industries