UK Seaweed Network says sector's 9.5% annual growth could be 'enormous' for coastal communities 

The UK could miss out on its share of the burgeoning £6bn global seaweed industry, as red tape and slow decision-making hold back development.

A new policy brief from University College London, Seaweed and the bioeconomy: enabling growth through aquaculture policy, finds that with more than 7,000 miles of coastline and one of the world's most advanced biomanufacturing capabilities, the UK should be a global leader in seaweed farming, processing and the manufacture of seaweed-derived products. The global seaweed market is forecast to grow in value to around £13.7bn by 2034.¹

But a series of barriers are preventing growth, including overly onerous licensing requirements, a lack of understanding of the benefits of seaweed, and limited financial incentives for investment in seaweed infrastructure, processing, research and market development.

The UK Seaweed Network, launched to support the emerging sector, has already attracted support from some of the world's biggest companies, and has called on governments across the UK to grasp the opportunity and reduce barriers to spur growth.

Developed by the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA) in collaboration with the UK Agri-Tech Centre, WWF-UK, the Fishmongers' Company, and University College London (UCL), the UK Seaweed Network represents the first coordinated effort to connect regional expertise and strengthen the UK's position in a global market.

Speaking ahead of an event at the UK Parliament to launch the UK Seaweed Network, the CEO of the SSIA, Rhianna Rees, said: "The UK has a phenomenal coastline that holds so much potential, and we have one of the most advanced biomanufacturing sectors in the world. With seaweed increasingly in demand not just for food and health products, but for a vast array of applications, the potential open to the UK is enormous.

"Forecasters are projecting a 9.5% annual growth rate for the seaweed sector. Given it is already generating billions in revenue, it could be an enormous boon for the UK's coastal economy.

"The UK Seaweed Network is about connection and collaboration, linking farmers, researchers, processors, innovators, and policymakers so we can grow the sector together. The UK has remarkable regional strengths, but until now they've been operating in isolation. This initiative unites the sector, builds common purpose, and ensures seaweed contributes meaningfully to our food systems, materials innovation, and coastal economies."

Seaweed harvesting and farming has grown into a rapidly expanding global industry thanks to its role as a sustainable source of ingredients for a range of sectors, including medicine, manufacturing, food and drink, and cosmetics. By turning seaweed into everyday products, like packaging, fuels and fertilisers, reliance on fossil-fuel derived materials can be reduced, helping to cut pollution and fight climate change.

Seaweed also plays an important role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, it adds structure and habitat to coastal ecosystems and can improve local water conditions as it grows. The strategic placement of seaweed farms can yield additional benefits. Acting as a buffer against strong tides and currents, they can help prevent coastal erosion, while their ability to absorb and process nutrients can limit the harmful impacts of eutrophication – caused by run-off of excess fertilisers from agriculture.

Dr Emily Kostas, a Lecturer in sustainable biorefining and bioprocessing at University College London, said: "Seaweed is increasingly seen as a critical resource for the UK's bioeconomy, but we are currently importing the vast majority of what we need. Growing our own sector could help address multiple challenges, but the governments of the UK have a role to play in reducing barriers to seaweed's growth potential."

To unlock the opportunity, the UK Seaweed Network is calling for streamlined licensing requirements and improved planning processes, alongside investment in processing infrastructure, stronger support for R&D, and better financial incentives for investors. It adds that greater public awareness of the benefits of seaweed farming and seaweed products would help build support for the sector and the value it can bring to coastal communities.

"Seaweed is a tremendously flexible resource, and it already grows naturally in the UK's waters," added Rhianna. "All we need to do is harness it. As scientists uncover new applications for this incredible feedstock, the opportunity to build its economic, social, and environmental value will only grow."

For more information about UK Seaweed Network, please visit ukseaweed.org.