Small seaweed farming
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Hello everyone!
I'm excited to be a part of this community, and as someone new to the sector, I have a question regarding the costs associated with small-scale seaweed farming in the UK. I am considering a monthly production of approximately 400 small seaweeds. Could anyone provide insights into the estimated costs involved in setting up and maintaining such a farm? Additionally, I'm curious to know if obtaining a permit from the government is a requirement for seaweed farming in the UK. Any advice or information on these matters would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
@ayrton_barzasi4695 could you clarify: when you say 400 small seaweeds, do you mean 400 individuals of a single species? 400 individuals of different species? Or 400 species? Something else? These would all have wildly different cost implications. Generally, your farm location will influence the types of seaweeds that are appropriate to grow and, subsequently, your farm design. All of these factors influence cost. Could you share a bit more about what you are hoping to do and whether you are thinking about an open-water system or tank-based culture? Thanks!
Hi @kendall_barbery,
I meant 400 individuals of a single species (green macro-algae) located near Cardiff where the species can be naturally found. The system will be open-water. Thank you for your help!!!
@kendall_barbery Hi, I am pretty confident legislation for Wales is same as England. Therefore, you will need to get a licence from the MMO (Marine Management Organisation). This can be a lengthy process, costly and will typically involve the Environment Agency, poss Natural England and critically the local community, esp those that derive their income form the sea, you will need their support and have them onside, early in the licencing process. In addition, you will need to pay rent to the Crown. Just a suggestion, but for what is a relatively small volume, get to know your species and where they grow (foreshore, nearshore, offshore), what your market wants to buy. Then harvest responsibly, sustainably, and safely and educate your clients on what you can get, when, and what they can do with it. (Based on your suggested volume, I have made a horrible assumption your supply would be for human consumption). Finally, you need to check on water quality and risk of pollution/pumped outfall where you may farm/harvest. Becoming a seaweed farmer in the UK is is not at all easy, not withstanding the effect of increasingly warm UK waters that have a detrimental impact on marine algae.
@kendall_barbery Apols - Replied to the wrong message.
Hi @kendall_barbery,
I meant 400 individuals of a single species (green macro-algae) located near Cardiff where the species can be naturally found. The system will be open-water. Thank you for your help!!!
@kendall_barbery Hi, I am pretty confident legislation for Wales is same as England. Therefore, you will need to get a licence from the MMO (Marine Management Organisation). This can be a lengthy process, costly and will typically involve the Environment Agency, poss Natural England and critically the local community, esp those that derive their income form the sea, you will need their support and have them onside, early in the licencing process. In addition, you will need to pay rent to the Crown. Just a suggestion, but for what is a relatively small volume, get to know your species and where they grow (foreshore, nearshore, offshore), what your market wants to buy. Then harvest responsibly, sustainably, and safely and educate your clients on what you can get, when, and what they can do with it. (Based on your suggested volume, I have made a horrible assumption your supply would be for human consumption). Finally, you need to check on water quality and risk of pollution/pumped outfall where you may farm/harvest. Becoming a seaweed farmer in the UK is is not at all easy, not withstanding the effect of increasingly warm UK waters that have a detrimental impact on marine algae.
@ayrton_barzasi4695 Hi, I am pretty confident legislation for Wales is same as England. Therefore, you will need to get a licence from the MMO (Marine Management Organisation). This can be a lengthy process, costly and will typically involve the Environment Agency, poss Natural England and critically the local community, esp those that derive their income form the sea, you will need their support and have them onside, early in the licencing process. In addition, you will need to pay rent to the Crown. Just a suggestion, but for what is a relatively small volume, get to know your species and where they grow (foreshore, nearshore, offshore), what your market wants to buy. Then harvest by hand naturally growing seaweeds responsibly, sustainably, and safely and educate your clients on what you can get, when, and what they can do with it. (Based on your suggested volume, I have made a horrible assumption your supply would be for human consumption). Finally, you need to check on water quality and risk of pollution/pumped outfall where you may farm/harvest. Becoming a seaweed farmer in the UK is is not at all easy, not withstanding the effect of increasingly warm UK waters that have a detrimental impact on marine algae.
Hi @adrian_conington,
thank you for your answer!! That's a nightmare! Do you think is better to pass to a tank-based culture? In addition to that, the tank-based culture could be used also for larger species such as kelp?
@kendall_barbery Apols - Replied to the wrong message.
Hi @adrian_conington,
thank you for your answer!! That's a nightmare! Do you think is better to pass to a tank-based culture? In addition to that, the tank-based culture could be used also for larger species such as kelp?
@ayrton_barzasi4695 Re Tanks, this has been done statestide, I am not sure about UK. I have not undertaken anything like this myself although my immediate thought would be the viability (Set up and operational cost will be significant, relative to return you can get). I would validate your market place first, again, this can be done by responsible hand harvesting. Not much help I know!
@adrian_conington, thank you again!! At least I have an idea of what I need to consider.
@adrian_conington, thank you again!! At least I have an idea of what I need to consider.