The UK’s rapidly developing blue economy has reached an important milestone with the formal unveiling of UK Seaweed during the Scottish Seaweed Industry Conference, held in Oban from 11–13 November.
Created to bring greater cohesion and visibility to the sector, this new representative organisation is the outcome of extensive groundwork and cross-industry engagement coordinated by the UK Agri-Tech Centre. Its establishment marks a defining moment for both farmed and sustainable wild harvested seaweed in the UK.
With global demand for seaweed poised for major expansion, the UK is well placed to establish itself as a leader in sustainable marine crops. Acting as a focal point for growers, processors, researchers and technology innovators, the new body aims to streamline the journey from research to commercial reality. It also intends to become a unified voice for the UK-wide seaweed sector beyond Scotland.
From consultation to collaboration
The new organisation emerges after a substantial programme of consultation led by the UK Agri-Tech Centre over the past 18 months. During this period, the UK Agri-Tech Centre engaged with stakeholders from all four nations, ranging from small-scale coastal harvesters in the Highlands to emerging biotech firms in the South West.
Through targeted workshops, the UK Agri-Tech Centre identified the need for a single, coordinated entity capable of navigating regulations, raising production standards and attracting sustainable investment. Collaboration with the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-UK) helped refine these priorities, paving the way for this launch.
Martin Sutcliffe, Head of Agri-Systems at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “The potential of the UK seaweed sector is vast, ranging from sustainable food sources and crop biostimulants to biodegradable packaging and pharmaceuticals. However, potential requires structure to become power and we are incredibly proud to have led the initial work that brought these diverse stakeholders together. By facilitating these critical early conversations, we have helped lay the groundwork for a unified industry voice that is now ready to stand on its own.”
Funding and administration support
The launch has been bolstered by major funding from WWF-UK through its ‘Unlocking the Power of Seaweed’ Project, supported by The National Lottery Climate Action Fund, a reflection of the sector’s environmental importance.
Seaweed cultivation offers a regenerative model for aquaculture, capable of capturing nutrients, supporting marine biodiversity and providing environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilisers.
Fran Batt, Seaweed Solutions Senior Project Manager at WWF-UK, said: “WWF is delighted to provide funding support for the establishment of this body. Seaweed farming presents a unique opportunity to develop a thriving industry that works with our oceans, not against them. Supporting this representative body ensures that sustainability is baked into the DNA of the UK’s seaweed sector as it scales up.”
Sophie Wood, Programme Manager at UK Seaweed, added: “The UK’s seaweed industry is uniquely placed to strengthen the UK’s commitment to restoring marine ecosystems while supporting local jobs and sustainable growth. UK Seaweed will support the sector as it expands – demonstrating that economic success and environmental stewardship can, and should, go hand in hand”.
To ensure the organisation is fully operational from the outset, Seaweed Scotland has been appointed to oversee administration and secretariat duties. Their established networks and extensive experience supporting the Scottish industry will shape the body’s early structure and priorities.
Rhianna Rees, CEO at Seaweed Scotland, said: “We are honoured to move this UK-wide initiative into action. While our roots are in Scotland, the challenges and opportunities we face: licensing, supply chain infrastructure and market access are shared across the UK. With the backing of the UK Agri-Tech Centre and WWF-UK, we are ready to drive the sector forward.”
An ongoing partnership
Although UK Seaweed will function independently, the UK Agri-Tech Centre will remain a strategic collaborator. Future joint work will focus on accelerating technical innovation, using the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s strengths in engineering, precision agriculture and data-driven solutions to tackle barriers such as harvesting mechanisation and improved processing systems.
Martin Sutcliffe explained: “This is not a departure for the UK Agri-Tech Centre, but an evolution of our role. We are moving from conveners to more of an advisory role. We look forward to working side-by-side with the new organisation to inject agri-tech innovation into the marine environment, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of the global seaweed revolution.”
Operations for the new body will formally begin in early 2026, with initial priorities including the development of a national growth roadmap and initiating discussions with the government on marine licensing reform.
