Report co-author Dr Kati Michalek examines some Saccorhiza polyschides growing at the SAMS seaweed farm.
Photo: SAMS
The UK’s emerging seaweed farming sector risks facing local opposition unless coastal communities are given a meaningful role in shaping new developments, according to a new report led by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).
The report, Seaweed farming with and for our coastal communities, argues that seaweed cultivation could contribute to coastal employment, lower-carbon products and marine restoration. However, it says these potential benefits will not be enough on their own to secure public support.
Instead, the study calls for developers, regulators and policy makers to treat community engagement as a central part of seaweed farm planning, rather than a late-stage consultation exercise. It also recommends that local knowledge should help inform where farms are sited, how benefits are shared, and how projects fit alongside existing livelihoods and uses of the coast.
The report places particular emphasis on the idea of “social licence”, meaning the level of acceptance and trust granted by communities and other stakeholders.
In practical terms, the study says this depends on transparency, early engagement and evidence that local priorities have been taken seriously.
Dr Susannah-Lynn Billing led the new report from SAMS.
Dr Suzannah-Lynn Billing, lead author of the report, said the UK has an opportunity to benefit from the growth of the global seaweed industry, but warned that support for new farms cannot be assumed.
“When rooted in coastal communities’ needs and values, seaweed farming can create skilled local jobs and help to build social and economic resilience,” said Dr Billing.
“However, opposition can emerge when proposed operations are misaligned with local values and livelihoods. There are already examples where ignoring coastal community voices within seaweed farm applications has led to conflict, such as the recent rejection of the Port Quin application in Cornwall," she pointed out.
“Trust in both farm operators and regulators depends on how open and transparent decision-making processes are. Where community engagement, trust and transparency are lacking, seaweed farms may struggle to obtain a social license.”
“Crucially, poor relations between seaweed farms or developers and local communities can drive negative political narratives and media coverage, creating conflict and limiting the potential for the seaweed farming sector to unlock positive outcomes for coastal communities. That is why meaningful community involvement in decision-making for seaweed farming is essential. Coastal communities must have a genuine voice in how seaweed farming develops, so operations reflect local priorities and create lasting shared benefits,” Billing said.
SAMS has an experimental seaweed farm off the Isle of Lismore
According to the report, seaweed farming is projected to become a $27bn global industry this year, although most production currently takes place in Asia. The European Union has also set out ambitions to expand production by 2030, with the aim of creating 115,000 jobs in a sector worth €9bn.
Dr Piers Hart, Aquaculture Advisor at WWF-UK, said seaweed cultivation could support climate, biodiversity and community objectives, but only if local engagement is prioritised.
“WWF-UK sees growth in seaweed cultivation as an important part of our work in reducing the impacts of climate change, increasing marine biodiversity and supporting local coastal communities in the UK,” said Hart.
“Seaweed products can replace high carbon products such as plastics and fertilisers, whilst seaweed farms provide marine gardens supporting wildlife and absorbing excess nutrients," he said, adding, “Coastal communities benefit from the income from seaweed farms as well as cleaner water and employment opportunities. Without community engagement and support, these goals will not be met.”
The report was developed through the National Lottery-funded project Unlocking the Power of Seaweed, which worked with coastal communities in Pembrokeshire and seaweed farms across the UK. The grant came from the Climate Action Fund, a £100m programme run by The National Lottery Community Fund to support community climate action over 10 years.
SAMS produced the report in collaboration with WWF-UK, Câr Y Môr, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, University College London and Seaweed Scotland.
As part of the project, the team also produced the film Coastal Voices, which shares perspectives from the St David’s community in Pembrokeshire.
SAMS said the film highlights that community support for seaweed farming depends on local needs being prioritised and on respect for communities’ connection with their coastline.