A National Conference on seaweed cultivation would be held in Chennai on September 16, National Fisherfolk Forum Chairperson M Illango said today. Talking to newspersons here, Mr Illango said seaweed is growing in different areas of Tamil Nadu,Gujarat Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and among other places. This seaweed is being used as a human food besides for manufacturing medicines in different parts of the world, he said, adding that the conference is to deliberate on the cultivation of the seaweed in all parts of the country. Ms Krishna Raj, Union Minister of State for Agriculture will inaugurate the conference being jointly organized by the National Fisherfolk Forum, Community Development Organization Trust, and Seaweed Innovation Network of India. Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister Jayakumar will preside over the function. Several other dignitaries also would take part in the conference, Mr Illango said. Pointing out to the sand accumulation in the fishing harbour estuary, the National Fisherfolk Forum Chairperson said the fishermen could not venture into the sea for quite some time which affected their livelihood. Hence, the government should take concerted efforts to dredge the estuary to ensure the free sail of fishing boats on a permanent basis. Mr Illango said that on behalf of the Puducherry fishermen, the National Fisherfolk Forum would urge the Union Fisheries Minister at the Chennai conference to take steps to provide 100 percent financial support to the fisheries department.