Could Japan seaweed – eelgrass – be a new supercrop?

Seaweed has long been a food staple in Japan. However, a chunky, slimy kelp called eelgrass is drawing international attention because of its potential as an eco-friendly supercrop.

As it turns out, eelgrass helps absorb greenhouse gases, which cause climate change. In fact, eelgrass habitats may absorb up to 20 per cent more planet-warming carbon dioxide than other marine ecosystems.

Even though eelgrass has steadily died off as cities grow in areas south of the capital Tokyo, Japanese environmentalists have been trying to bring back the marine plant.