Stuthmann, Lara Elisabeth ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0106-7026, Brix da Costa, Beatrice ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8454-7238, Cordes, Aaron Johannes, Du, Hoang Trung, Kunzmann, Andreas ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9500-4332 and Springer, Karin (2025) Mono-trophic seaweed polyculture of sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera) and Kappaphycus alvarezii: A case study from Van Phong Bay, Viet Nam. Aquaculture Reports, 45 . p. 103224. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.103224.

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Abstract

Kappaphycus alvarezii and Caulerpa lentillifera are economical important seaweeds cultivated in Van Phong Bay, Viet Nam, respectively. The complementary light and nitrogen requirements of the seaweeds introduce the opportunity for a mono-trophic seaweed polyculture. Three different set-ups were tested, namely the integration of K. alvarezii in sea grape ponds, the integration of sea grape plastic cages on longlines and the polyculture of both species in net cages. The relative growth rates (RGRs) of K. alvarezii were highest on longlines, compared to net cages in mono- and polyculture (4.4 ± 0.8 % day−1 vs 2.1 ± 0.6, 0.6 ± 0.5 % day−1), whereas fragments died off due to warm temperatures and absence of water movement in ponds. Strong recurring water movements at the experimental site caused high losses of K. alvarezii fragments (39 % of initial) and impaired growth of delicate C. lentillifera causing negative RGRs in all treatments (plastic cages without gauze: −9.8 ± 0.6 % day−1, net cages: −6.4 ± 0.9 % day−1), but with least loss in plastic cages with gauze wrapping (-1.3 ± 0.8 % day−1). Fv´ /Fm´ values of both species showed typical midday depression and C. lentilliferas´ Fv/Fm were influenced especially by gauze wrapping. Here, we show that the K. alvarezii cultivation on longlines with C. lentillifera integrated below in inexpensive, self-made, customizable plastic cages with additional gauze protection is the most promising set-up from a physiological and economic point of view for Van Phong Bay and beyond. However, further research is needed before implementation of the system.

Document Type:	Article
Programme Area:	PA1
Research affiliation:	Ecology > Experimental Aquaculture
Refereed:	Yes
Open Access Journal?:	Yes
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.103224
ISSN:	2352-5134
Date Deposited:	17 Nov 2025 12:32
Last Modified:	17 Nov 2025 12:32
URI:	https://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/6009

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