Seaweed industry worth €9bn to Europe

The report, ‘Hidden Champion of the Ocean: Seaweed as a Growth Engine for a Sustainable European Future’, also finds that the seaweed industry could create up to 115,000 jobs in Europe by 2030 and deliver significant environmental and health benefits.

“Our report shows seaweed can be an important driver of economic growth in Europe with a number of environmental, social and health benefits—a triple win for the continent,” said Vidar Helgesen, co-chair of Seaweed for Europe and special envoy for the ocean of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Growing seaweed brings environmental benefits. There are no external resources required nor need to repurpose or clear land. Seaweed contributes to ocean health by removing nitrogen and phosphorus and provides habitats and food for fish and other marine life.

Challenges have hindered the growth of the European sector including complex licensing processes, lack of cost-efficient technologies, lack of industry infrastructure and limited investment. However, the report shows that conditions are now ripe to support expansion thanks in part to a growing demand for seaweed, a more innovative community and wish to align with the EU Green Deal agenda.

Seaweed for Europe has therefore launched an action programme focusing on optimising seaweed farms’ licensing processes, attracting investors, creating a collaborative stakeholder network, establishing safety standards and certification, raising awareness and using science to further innovation.

By Rebecca Strong