Unlocking the potential of seaweed farming as a nature-positive sector

An Irish Seaweed Association has been set up to providing a voice for ocean farmers — and with more than 7,500km of coastline, Ireland is uniquely positioned to become a leader in regenerative ocean farming say 'blue economy experts

At the launch of the new Irish Seaweed Association are Dr Dharm Kapletia, research fellow at Centre for Social innovation at Trinity Business School; Nessa O’Connor, Professor in Zoology, Trinity; and Gareth Murphy, PM at Óir Na Farraige part of Simply Blue Group and chair of the Irish Seaweed Association. Picture: Paul Sharp/SHARPPIX

Seaweed has been an important source of food and nutrition in Ireland for millennia. In recent years however, there has been much focus on the wide range of alternative uses, including animal feed, pet food, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, fertilisers and biostimulants, fabrics, bioplastics and even construction.

The global seaweed industry is projected to reach €22 billion by 2028. This is driven by the increasing demand for sustainable food and algae-based products. The main indigenous species farmed in Ireland include Alaria esculenta (winged kelp or wakame), Saccharina latissima (sugar kelp) and Palmaria palmata (dulse/dillisk). Building on what has been learned with these species, there is significant potential for future growth and exports.