UK could become seaweed powerhouse but major gaps need filling

In the UK, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science has determined commercial seaweed farming could become a major industry along the country’s coastline thanks to growing demand for algae for biofuel production as well as in nutraceuticals and along the bioeconomy supply chain. Lack of regulation for seaweed farming and a dearth of information on production costs, yields and environmental effects are limiting factors that must be resolved before a true industry can be developed. The center’s new report outlines a number of research areas required to move the industry forward from a lifecycle analysis to pilot farms and updating regulations to fit the needs of seaweed farming.