It can be a nutritious food, an alternative to plastic, restore our oceans and could even help tackle climate change. UliU/iStockphoto/Getty Images Seaweed has become popular in Western baking in recent years. James MacDonald/Bloomberg/Getty ImagesBut just as we are recognizing its untapped potential, seaweed is becoming increasingly vulnerable. California, Norway and Tasmania have all lost more than 80% of their kelp in recent years, the result of climate change, pollution and overfishing. If we learn to sustainably cultivate our ocean, we can contribute to feeding the entire global population while mitigating climate change and restoring biodiversity.

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Persons: Vincent Doumeizel, Derek Davis, Dixie, Prannie Rhatigan, Rhatigan, Kate Waters, Natasha Breen, Jun Lee, Jonas Gratzer, James MacDonald Organizations: United Nations, Food, Lloyd’s Register, CNN, Southside Bakery, Portland Press Herald, Washington Post, University of Queensland, Bloomberg, Legend Press Locations: Portland, US, Washington , DC, Asia, Seoul, South Korea, Australia, Jakarta, British Columbia, Canada, California, Norway, Tasmania