A transformative year for seaweed in Scotland
By Rhianna Rees, Business Development Manager, the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA)
There have been many key events this year in policy, research and innovation, which have highlighted the necessity of a successful and thriving seaweed sector to meet Scotland’s environmental and economic ambitions.
This year’s General Election stressed some key concerns for the future of our planet. With environmental policies and climate action being a focus, the SSIA has continued its advocacy for integrating seaweed cultivation into Scotland’s food and environmental strategy, aligning with the government’s vision for sustainability.
The development of the Code of Good Practice (CoGP) and the National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) are two major policy frameworks that SSIA has been actively shaping. These initiatives aim to ensure that seaweed harvesting and cultivation adheres to best practices in sustainability, environmental stewardship and community engagement.
As the demand for sustainable resources grows, seaweed stands out as a nutrient-rich, low-impact alternative to traditional agricultural products like fertilisers, animal feed and food. This potential makes seaweed cultivation a key player in Scotland’s mission to create a sustainable, future-focused economy.
In January, the Scottish Government launched the Good Food Nation strategy, a blueprint for sustainable food production. The SSIA has played an active role in these discussions, promoting seaweed as a valuable source of nutrition and a sustainable alternative crop.
At the IBioIC conference in March, seaweed was prominently featured, highlighting how seaweed continues to play a pivotal role in innovative, sustainable biorefinery models, positioning Scotland as a leader in marine-based biotechnologies.
The sector’s international partnerships grew as well, with visits from SeaGrant Alaska and SeaGrant Connecticut in May, which facilitated vital knowledge exchange and insights into the global seaweed market.
The SSIA also engaged with the public throughout the year to raise awareness of the sector. Notable events included the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in Oban in July, where SSIA members sold seaweed products on our marine stand, and the Lochaber Aquaculture Careers Day with DYW West Highland in October, connecting the aquaculture community with young learners.
November marked a major milestone as we celebrated the SSIA’s 10th anniversary at our annual conference.
Founded in 2014, the SSIA began as a coalition of organisations seeking a unified voice for Scotland’s growing seaweed industry. Reflecting on a decade of progress, the conference’s theme, “10 Years of the SSIA: Where Will We Be in 10 Years?” inspired forward-looking discussions about the sector’s future potential and its path toward becoming a cornerstone of Scotland’s blue economy.
Reflecting on the last decade, the seaweed sector’s growth is remarkable. Ten years ago, there were no seaweed farms in Scotland; today, 19 licences have been approved by Marine Scotland, demonstrating our sector’s rapid development despite its small size. However, challenges remain: achieving market accessibility, competitive pricing, scalability, and funding continue to require collaborative effort.
As we look ahead, we see a sector brimming with unrealised potential, and we remain committed to supporting its growth. Our focus will remain on building a robust, responsible industry that supports Scotland’s blue economy and helps address the global challenges of food security and environmental sustainability, for a better future.
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