Seaweed farming faces trouble with social acceptance: comment

The seaweed sector faces social licensing challenges, as demonstrated by the recent dispute over Biome Algae's seaweed farm plans in the UK. Conflicts between seaweed farmers and other marine users have often escalated into confrontations. Improved education, thoughtful site selection, and the formation of regional organisations are suggested solutions. Seaweed farming further offshore or within the footprints of offshore wind farms is considered an expansion option, but it also presents challenges. Educating the public on the value of seaweed farming is crucial for gaining acceptance and social licensing in regions where seaweed farming is still seen as a novel and potentially unwelcome industry. (The Fish Site)