Community support key to unlocking seaweed sector growth
A new report from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has highlighted the importance of community engagement and public support in developing the UK's emerging seaweed farming sector.
The report, Seaweed farming with and for our coastal communities, concludes that while seaweed cultivation has significant potential to create jobs, support coastal economies and contribute to a low-carbon future, long-term success will depend on ensuring local communities are actively involved in shaping developments.
Published by SAMS in collaboration with WWF-UK, Câr Y Môr, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), University College London and Seaweed Scotland, the report sets out six recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders. These include prioritising local knowledge, improving public awareness of seaweed farming and ensuring meaningful community participation in decision-making processes.
The findings come as the global seaweed industry continues to expand rapidly. The sector is expected to be worth around $27 billion globally this year, while the European Union has outlined ambitions to significantly increase seaweed production by 2030, creating an estimated 115,000 jobs and generating €9 billion in economic value.
The report's findings reinforce the importance of innovation and collaboration as a sustainable seaweed industry continues to develops in Scotland.
Seaweed farming is an emerging and increasingly important part of Scotland's blue economy, supported by the country's clean, nutrient-rich coastal waters. While the sector remains relatively small, interest, investment and research activity continue to grow, driven by rising demand for sustainable, low-carbon raw materials.
By facilitating collaborative projects, trials and knowledge-sharing, SAIC supports the testing and refinement of new technologies and approaches to seaweed farming, helping ensure innovations are aligned with industry needs. Sharing case studies and practical insights also helps new and established growers adopt improvements more quickly.
As the SAMS report highlights, the future success of seaweed farming depends not only on technological innovation and market growth, but also on maintaining strong relationships with the communities that will host and support the industry's expansion. Together, research, innovation and meaningful community engagement will be central to unlocking the full potential of Scotland's seaweed sector.
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