The significance of microbiota in New Zealand seaweed aquaculture

Abstract

Seaweed-associated microbes are the metabolic heavy lifters in the symbiotic relationship between the seaweed microbiome and their host macroalgae. In exchange for fixed carbon and an exclusive niche habitat offered by the host, the microbial consort performs a litany of crucial metabolic functions including vitamin production, nitrogen fixation, growth and reproductive signalling, pathogen resistance and mitigation of environmental stressors. Metabolic dependence and interactions of terrestrial plants and their associated microbiome have been leveraged in agriculture with great success. The growing New Zealand Seaweed aquaculture industry is poised to benefit similarly from the identification and utilisation of seaweed beneficial bacteria (SBB) releasing, for example, alga growth- and morphogenesis-promoting factor. The capability of SBB in ameliorating growth of seaweed in aquaculture, and as innate modulators of seaweed components, also demonstrates potential in extracting desired products during processing of aquaculture biomass. Here, we present the current position of knowledge regarding SBB, and their applications in enhancement of aquaculture and processing of seaweed biomass to generate high-value products. We also outline future directions required to leverage the potential of SBB in New Zealand aquaculture.