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Due to its large, exclusive economic zone, India has considerable potential for implementing large-scale cultivation of macroalgae. However, such cultivation requires the availability of, and access to, sites where technical, legal, governmental, and environmental factors are favorable. This review discusses the challenges that have held back the development of seaweed cultivation in India. The review is based on a literature survey and informal discussions with industry-related personnel. It cites the strong need for clear and definitive policies related to access to and use of coastal waters to enable the Indian seaweed industry to reach its full potential. The main challenges that the expansion of macroalgal cultivation in India face are related to legal and regulatory aspects that can be resolved by focusing the policy issues on providing planning tools toward success. In addition, there is a strong need for an adequate bioeconomy that clearly defines the need for marine macroalgal biomass for food, chemicals, and biofuels. Furthermore, the Indian government needs to allocate sufficient funds for accelerating seaweed R&D in areas of seaweed cultivation, harvesting, processing technologies, and their implementation in the local industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal areas of India have a big potential for establishing renewable energy projects, which are generally regarded as green energy sources. However, such projects' construction work may cause a negative environmental impact on the surrounding waters. Aquaculture projects based on seaweed and fisheries, commonly referred to as integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), can help to mitigate these impacts. Although the purpose of any IMTA is to recirculate the waste products from cultivated species and not to mitigate the environmental impacts of energy projects, IMTA may serve as a complementary activity to compensate for the environmental impacts of marine energy projects. In return, marine energy projects can provide a few facilities to IMTA projects in their areas. IMTA projects are already practised in some parts of the world; however, rare examples are available with marine energy projects. This study aims to put an idea of potential IMTA projects in the areas of the proposed first offshore wind farm in India. This study also recommends the possible utilisation of the potential tidal energy plant in the estuary as a nursery for a few species in IMTA on the western coast of India. In addition, the current study discussed some major challenges, such as seasonal variations, ecological risks, selection of IMTA components, legal, economic and regulatory and social acceptance. Overcoming these challenges can promote further development of IMTA projects in Indian coastal waters. • Linking integrated multi-tropic aquaculture to ecological engineering. • Need of IMTA for Indian coastal ecosystems restoration. • IMTA can be potential complementary activity to marine energy projects. • Marine windfarm and tidal energy can help for IMTA implemetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]