Support for Developing a Seaweed Initiative in the Mediterranean Inspired by GreenWave?
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Hello GreenWave Community!
My name is Jérémy, and I am currently enrolled in an aquaculture program at the marine research station of the University of Montpellier, located in Sète, on the Mediterranean coast in southern France.
This training prepares me to obtain a concession on public maritime space, where I plan to establish a marine farm inspired by GreenWave’s model, combining seaweed cultivation with shellfish farming.Local Context:
The Thau Lagoon is home to a well-established shellfish farming sector, with significant production of mussels and oysters. Local institutions supporting shellfish farming have shown growing interest
in diversifying production through seaweed cultivation. Seaweed farming could complement shellfish production and improve the resilience of local aquaculture businesses.
However, seaweed farming in the Mediterranean is subject to strict regulations. Certain species, such as wakame or kombu, are considered invasive and are prohibited. Suitable and permitted species include Gracilaria, Chondrus crispus, Ulva lactuca, and Corallina officinalis.
Additionally, the local shellfish sector faces a major challenge: an anticipated wave of retirements within the next few years, with insufficient successors to sustain current levels of production. This raises questions about the future of the industry and its potential evolution.My Project
As part of my training, I am working on developing a project for a seaweed farm in the Mediterranean. My goal is to create a sustainable model adapted to the local context while contributing to the structuring of the seaweed sector.
In parallel, a citizen-led working group on the development of the seaweed sector has been formed, bringing together a researcher/oyster farmer and a Michelin-starred chef. This group explores the ecological and economic opportunities presented by seaweed farming.A Regional and Mediterranean Vision:
I am also considering the creation of a broader program, inspired by GreenWave, to build a support ecosystem for the seaweed sector.
This program could include:
> An open-source data-sharing hub, connecting farmers, researchers, and potential buyers.
> A training platform to raise awareness and support new farmers, whether young professionals or individuals in career transition.
> A regional and Mediterranean collaboration network, fostering synergies with neighboring countries in the Mediterranean Basin.
I aim to contribute to the emergence of a structure dedicated to training, data sharing, and public awareness. I believe such a structure could play a central role in the growth of responsible seaweed farming and support a blue economy in the Mediterranean, while strengthening ties with similar initiatives in Europe and beyond.
I am convinced that this project, while initially local, has the potential for co-development with other Mediterranean actors. By leveraging existing models like GreenWave, with the hope that it could become or participate as catalyst for a sustainable seaweed sector at the regional level.My Questions and Needs:
> Are there similar structures to GreenWave in Europe with which to collaborate or draw inspiration?
> Is it possible to benefit from your support,advice, or feedback to adapt your model to the Mediterranean region?
> What tools or methodologies (educational kits, technical guides, economic models) would you recommend for structuring such a project?
Specifically, I would like to integrate the following aspects:
> Training for new seaweed farmers (both young individuals and adults in career transition).
> A sustainable seaweed farming model combining production and public outreach.
> Developing partnerships between local farmers, researchers, and industries (cosmetics, food, etc.)
I would be honored to collaborate with GreenWave or similar initiatives to adapt your model to the Mediterranean and contribute to the growth of sustainable aquaculture.
Thank you in advance for your advice and support!
Best regards,
Jérémy.
Aspiring seaweed farmer and project leader in the Mediterranean
jeremyrobinet@gmx.fr
@jeremy_20241010084816320 Hi, Jeremy, thank you for your information. We are starting the similar project in the Black Sea (Georgia). We created a small lab - some kind of nursery, where we started to grow Cystoseira and plan to do the same with Ulva. If you are interested to know more, plz do not hesitate to write me. It would be great to exchange !