📋 Tender Overview
Seaweed farming is increasingly recognised as a promising avenue for sustainable economic development, environmental stewardship and social engagement. However, the success of the sector depends on establishing robust policy frameworks tailored to the unique needs of specific countries. In 2024, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Hatch Blues consulting unit (Hatch Innovation Services) analysed various stages of seaweed farming development across different regions, highlighting essential policy lessons.
The following case studies explore how policy frameworks can be tailored to support sustainable growth in seaweed aquaculture at different stages of development, using examples from mature, expanding, and nascent seaweed farming regions.South Korea: a mature seaweed industry
South Korea is a global leader in seaweed production, particularly for its gim (nori) industry, which has been highlighted as its top seafood export product by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. With decades of experience in cultivation, processing and exportation, South Koreas policies focus on maintaining competitiveness while addressing evolving challenges such as climate change impacts and market diversification.
The Korean seaweed industry has greatly profited from the ongoing comprehensive support provided by the government, which involves support for seaweed farming and processing, investment in research and technology, and the exploration of international markets. Funding for genetic research to enhance seed quality has been one of the fundamental pillars of the sectors success and resilience. For example, breeding programmes have been established to develop high-yielding strains resistant to environmental stressors such as rising water temperatures.
South Koreas example illustrates how enhancing seed quality through policies that fund research to improve genetic quality is vital for maximising yields - something that must be urgently addressed in established tropical seaweed industries in countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines. These initiatives can ensure consistent productivity while mitigating risks associated with climate variability. Infrastructure investments have also played a critical role. Modern processing facilities equipped with advanced drying technologies have enabled South Korea to maintain high product quality standards for export markets. The implementation of foreign technologies, promotion of automation in aquaculture facilities, and commercialisation of innovative technologies are essential. A key example of technology development is the emphasis on utilising a variety of cultivation methods, including integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), as well as land-based and offshore aquaculture. These approaches aim to achieve both environmental and economic sustainability, especially since many nearshore regions have hit their maximum carrying capacity, a factor closely monitored by the government.
The government actively disseminates best management practices through educational programmes targeting farmers. These include guidelines on site selection, disease management, and sustainable harvesting techniques. Future plans aim to diversify applications beyond food into pharmaceuticals and bioenergy sectors.Lessons for established seaweed sectors
South Korea underscores the importance of continuous innovation, even in mature industries. By addressing emerging challenges through adaptive policies and investing in new technologies, South Korea aims to remain competitive in global markets while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Norway: a growing seaweed industry
Norway has a long history of wild harvesting seaweed, while the countrys seaweed farming sector is also developing. Although still relatively small compared to global leaders like South Korea, Norway has positioned itself as a key player in temperate seaweed aquaculture by drawing on its expertise in other marine industries.The regulation of seaweed farming has been aligned with the finfish aquaculture regulations outlined in the Aquaculture Act, ensuring a clearly defined process. Licensing applications must include detailed environmental impact assessments to ensure sustainability. Nonetheless, given its complexity, there is a rising consensus that the licensing procedure designed for fish farming may not be suitable for seaweed cultivation. The absence of specific regulations tailored to seaweed farming could potentially result in delays or refusals of licences.
