Publication Abstract

Global aquaculture production continues to increase, whilst capture fisheries stagnate. Many wild fisheries have been overexploited and cultivation, if managed sustainably, is a viable alternative. The seaweed industry is undergoing a rapid global expansion and currently accounts for ~49% of the total mariculture production. Unabated, exponential growth in the last 50 years, has meant that the value of the industry reached US$6.4 billion in 2014 providing jobs, predominantly in developing and emerging economies. There is, however, increasing need to address new challenges imposed by trade in, and market demand in both developing and developed countries. Case studies clearly show that valuable lessons can be drawn from the major seaweed producing nations and other aqua- and agriculture sectors. In particular, improving biosecurity, disease prevention and detection measures are critical, together with establishing policies and institutions, at national and international level, which provide incentives and steer the long-term economic and environmental development of a sustainable seaweed aquaculture industry. This policy brief aims to highlight some of the key issues that need to be addressed to create a platform for the long-term sustainability of this emerging global industry, as it prepares itself for playing an important role in the ‘Blue’ or sustainable ocean economy agenda.

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