Seaweed farm size of six football pitches on cards

ASEAWEED farm the size of six football pitches could be built just off a West harbour. The Kelp farm will be built near one of the walls of Portland Harbour in Dorset if approved.

Devon-based Green Ocean Farming says it wants to grow native Kelp seaweed on ropes, seeding in the autumn and harvesting in spring.

They say the site was chosen with the help of the Portland Harbour Authority, with consultation from Plymouth and Exeter Universities, both of whom support the project.

“Our eco-friendly, low impact methods will help ensure little environmental impact. Sustainability is the driving force at the heart of our business and ranks as highly as profitability to ensure the seaweed farming has a long-term future here in the UK. We intend to work proactively with all our partners, local agencies and businesses to ensure Green Ocean Farming upholds the highest possible standards and operates ethically at all times,” said a statement from the company chief executive Alec Watt.

The business already has a tidal works licence for the site and has applied for a marine wildlife licence, with the application currently out for public consultation. It will be decided by the Marine Management Organisation.

The company says that Natural England has viewed the proposals and given its recommendations for the project.

If permissions are granted it is believed that work could start later this year. It will not involve any permanent structures with the farm limited to weights, ropes and buoys.

The company says the farm aligns with the Dorset Marine Aquaculture Strategy, the South Marine Policy Statement, the national Marine Policy Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

It says seaweed production is the fastest-growing form of food production in the world with uses in biofuel, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and for human consumption.

China is the biggest producer but cannot meet demand and while there is kelp production in the UK most of it is by harvesting naturally occurring beds which may damage the eco system.

“This farm will contribute to the sustainable growth and development of the South Marine area and may also help the UK become a leader in innovative aquaculture practice and fight against climate change,” claims the company.

“The farm may act as temporary habitat for juvenile fish and the anchors for the ropes will also provide habitat for various shellfish and molluscs.

“Over time this will help increase the wild marine animal populations, benefit coastal ecosystems and enhance the livelihoods of the men and women that fish in area.”

The proposed farm would have three 200x100m sites side by side with the kelp grown vertically from the surface of 100-metre-long ropes. Seeded ropes will be placed in October/ November and the seaweed will be harvested in April/ May.

Site monitoring will take place on a bi-weekly basis.