The first set of policy guidelines for the commercial cultivation of seaweed in Scotland have been published, setting out where seaweed may be grown, along with information on what kinds of developments will be approved.
The Scottish government’s Seaweed Cultivation Policy Statement sets out the framework concerning the environmental impacts of seaweed farms, including the requirements to consider and mitigate adverse environmental impacts and ensure that only native species are cultivated, while being sited in areas fit for growing for human consumption away from pollution sources and with the intention to allow small- to medium-sized farms to be located anywhere in Scotland, subject to agreement and appropriate local conditions.
These guidelines do not apply to the wild harvesting of seaweed and in the Scottish Government’s statement a small- to medium-sized farm is defined as being 0 -50 x 200m lines. At the lower end of this scale, seaweed farms are a similar size to a typical mussel farm, with up to 30 x 200m lines.
“We are starting to see the growth in seaweed as a commercial product, used in a huge range of items including food, cosmetics and fertilisers,” said Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy Fergus Ewing.
“We know the west coast of Scotland is the perfect environment for seaweed cultivation and, although the industry is still in its infancy, indications suggest that there may be significant economic opportunities ready to be developed in this area. The Scottish Government is committed to building growth in our rural economy, by supporting rural producers and businesses. This policy statement was developed after full consultation with stakeholders so we can understand and take into account the needs of industry and communities,” he said, commenting that the Scottish Government has a commitment to grow its rural economy and support local producers while balancing economic benefits with the need to protect our environment.
“Over the last couple of years we have seen a growing interest in the cultivation of seaweeds for a variety of uses. The publication of the Seaweed Cultivation Policy Statement will start to give this industry, which is very much in its infancy, much needed guidance and clarity about setting up a seaweed farm,” said Dr Michele Stanley FRSB, Centre Lead for Marine Biotechnology at the Scottish Association for Marine Science.
“It will hopefully help to encourage the expansion of commercial seaweed farming in a sustainable and environmental friendly manner.”
