Report outlines options for seaweed industry

review of the current status and future growth opportunities for Scottish seaweed-based industries highlights the need for comprehensive policy and robust legislation around planning and licensing of the sector to deliver environmentally sustainable development.

Undertaken by the Seaweed Review Steering Group, the report outlining future options for the Scottish seaweed industry has been welcomed by Scottish Government ministers.

The global seaweed industry is estimated to be worth €8.1 billion per year and in Scotland, the review found the sector delivers an estimated gross value added of £510,000 and employs around 60 people, with small, artisan style businesses, such as the Skye-based Kelp Crofting, leading the domestic sector.

However, projections estimate this figure could increase substantially by 2040.

Sustainability of the sector is key to any future development, with harvesting of some kelp species already banned.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: ‘I am grateful to the Seaweed Review Steering Group for this comprehensive report. There is a long history of harvesting seaweed in Scotland and growing interest in the sector supports our decision to include seaweed as part of the first stage of the aquaculture review by Professor Griggs which was published earlier this month.

‘Other pieces of work, including the new seafood strategy to be published later this year underlines our commitment to ensure existing and emerging seaweed activities fit into our broader framework for managing multiple uses of the sea, including fishing and renewable energy.'

The Seaweed Review Steering Group is made up of representatives from the fisheries, conservation, science, biotechnology and the seaweed industry sectors.

Read the full report at www. gov.scot/publications/understanding-potential-scale-seaweed-based-industries-scotland/