International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 112-125 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 120 and optimize growth conditions, leading to higher yields and reduced operational costs (Fabris et al., 2020). Overall, the integration of cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary approaches will be key to unlocking the full potential of algal germplasm for sustainable development. 7 Policy and Regulatory Considerations 7.1 International agreements and conventions International agreements and conventions play a critical role in the conservation and sustainable utilization of algal germplasm. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is one of the most significant frameworks, providing guidelines for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. The CBD encourages countries to develop national strategies and action plans for biodiversity conservation, which include algal species (Priyanka et al., 2021). Similarly, the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS) under the CBD regulates access to genetic resources and the fair sharing of benefits derived from their use, ensuring that the exploitation of algal germplasm contributes to conservation and sustainable development. 7.2 National policies and regulations National policies and regulations are essential for implementing international agreements and ensuring the conservation of algal germplasm within countries. For instance, the United States has the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, which helps protect significant marine environments, including those with diverse algal populations. In the European Union, the Habitats Directive aims to promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring member states to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to protect various species and habitats, including marine algae (Yang et al., 2021). Countries like Japan and China have also established specific regulations to control the exploitation and conservation of their marine resources. These regulations often include measures such as the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs), restrictions on harvesting, and support for research on algal biodiversity and conservation techniques (Wade et al., 2020). Furthermore, national policies should encourage research and development in algal biotechnology, which can lead to the sustainable exploitation of algal resources for various applications, including biofuels, bioplastics, and pharmaceuticals (Yong et al., 2020; Mock, 2023). 7.3 Recommendations for policy development To enhance the conservation and sustainable utilization of algal germplasm, several recommendations for policy development can be made: 1) Strengthening Legal Frameworks: National legal frameworks should be strengthened to regulate the collection, use, and trade of algal germplasm. This includes ensuring compliance with international agreements such as the CBD and Nagoya Protocol and implementing strict monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent illegal exploitation (Priyanka et al., 2021). 2) Strengthening International Collaboration: Countries should collaborate on international platforms to share knowledge, resources, and technologies for algal germplasm conservation. This includes participating in global initiatives and adhering to international agreements such as the CBD and the Nagoya Protocol (Priyanka et al., 2021; Yang et al., 2021). 3) Establishing National Germplasm Repositories: Governments should invest in the establishment and maintenance of national germplasm repositories that follow standardized protocols for the collection, storage, and documentation of algal germplasm. These repositories should be equipped with advanced cryopreservation technologies to ensure the long-term viability of stored germplasm (Liu et al., 2019; Yang et al., 2021). 4) Promoting Research and Development: Policies should support research and development in algal biotechnology to explore the potential applications of algal resources. This includes funding for genomic studies,
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