New Zealand’s seaweed industry is emerging as a vital player in the global blue economy, ready to contribute both economically and environmentally. Recent developments, including the involvement of global seaweed expert Peter Green, advocate for the industry’s promising future.
Peter Green, a UK-based seaweed project manager at Hatch Blue and author of the widely-read Paxtier Report, is visiting New Zealand in collaboration with EnviroStrat, an Auckland-based environmental investment firm.
Green’s expertise includes advising investors on seaweed aquaculture and leading initiatives such as the World Bank’s Global Seaweed New and Emerging Markets Report 2023. His arrival in New Zealand aims to connect local aquaculture industry stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers with global trends in the blue economy.
Global Expertise Arrives in New Zealand
Peter Green’s tour of New Zealand promises to shed light on the global blue carbon market, showcasing valuable insights from Japan, the first country to integrate wild seaweed’s carbon sequestration into its United Nations greenhouse gas inventory.
His visit, organised through EnviroStrat’s Greenwave Aotearoa project, represents a pivotal moment in promoting seaweed farming as a practical solution for environmental restoration and economic growth in New Zealand, capitalising on the nation’s rich marine ecosystem and rising commitment to sustainable aquaculture.
Opportunities for Regeneration and Economic Growth
New Zealand is uniquely positioned to become a leader in sustainable seaweed aquaculture, being home to over 900 native species flourishing in its waters. The Greenwave Aotearoa project, a multi-year initiative spearheaded by EnviroStrat, is working alongside iwi, marine farmers, scientists, and investors to establish a proof of concept for seaweed farming.
The project is dedicated to prioritising native species and enhancing biodiversity at farming sites, aiming to establish regenerative aquaculture practices that will produce valuable products and play a crucial role in restoring marine ecosystems.
Peter Green emphasises the benefits of regenerative seaweed aquaculture, which goes beyond traditional farming by fostering biodiversity and enhancing local environments. “At every conference I attend, we discuss the concept of one ocean, a shared resource,” Green stated. “Aquaculture can provide the most sustainable food and products available while supporting environmental flourishing rather than causing harm.”
He also highlights the industry’s potential to revitalise remote towns and coastal communities. In the UK and Ireland, seaweed farming has successfully retained young talent in rural areas by creating sustainable job opportunities. Green envisions a similar transformation for New Zealand, saying, “By keeping bright minds in these regions, we can re-energise and repopulate these towns.”
The Lantra Report on Aquaculture reveals the critical role of aquaculture, particularly seaweed farming, in generating employment in rural communities. It notes that there are 1,833 direct jobs supported by the industry in remote rural areas of Ireland, with 80% of these positions found in the western regions.
Furthermore, a review from Aquaculture Science assesses the market potential for New Zealand’s seaweed species while also highlighting broader trends applicable to the UK and Ireland.
Seaweed’s Role in Addressing Climate Change
The role of seaweed in climate change mitigation is highly promising. A Forbes report states that it can absorb around 50 times more carbon than the atmosphere and has sequestered nearly 30% of CO2 emissions caused by humans.
Furthermore, an ICES Journal of Marine Science study points out that seaweed ecosystems rank as some of the most productive coastal habitats, capturing over 70% of carbon absorbed by all seaweed varieties. These findings emphasise the vital impact of seaweed in the fight against climate change.
Peter Green pointed out that the benefits of seaweed farming can reach far beyond marine environments. He provided examples from around the world, including the reforestation of shrimp ponds with mangroves, which has significantly contributed to the regeneration of blue carbon ecosystems.
The integrated approach to ocean stewardship could serve as a template for New Zealand’s upcoming projects, fusing economic progress with environmental conservation.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While New Zealand’s seaweed aquaculture industry has great potential, it faces several challenges. One major issue is the lack of clear regulations, which has slowed down the sector’s growth. A more cohesive governance structure is needed to support its development.
Scaling seaweed farming sustainably and addressing environmental priorities becomes increasingly difficult without established regulations. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure poses serious challenges for the large-scale commercialisation of seaweed products.
EnviroStrat’s Nigel Bradly has echoed these concerns, stating that building a robust supply chain is essential for realising the sector’s potential. “Without a solid supply chain from farmed products, the seaweed sector will remain limited in New Zealand,” he warned.
However, with focused investments in research, infrastructure, and regulatory reform, New Zealand could rise to meet these challenges. The involvement of international experts like Peter Green can provide essential insights into global seaweed practices, enabling New Zealand to adopt successful methodologies from other regions, including Japan’s blue carbon certification projects.
A Promising Future for New Zealand’s Seaweed Sector
New Zealand is strategically positioned to lead the way in the seaweed industry, excelling in sustainable aquaculture and making meaningful contributions to global carbon reduction efforts.
Incorporating seaweed farming into national carbon reduction strategies could lead to substantial environmental and economic gains while providing vital support to remote communities and fostering innovation.
Continued collaboration between researchers, industry leaders, and Māori communities will be crucial in developing a seaweed aquaculture industry that respects cultural values, champions environmental stewardship, and drives economic progress.
Conclusion
Seaweed farming presents a promising opportunity for Aotearoa. While the country develops its seaweed industry, the benefits are clear, including economic growth, environmental restoration, and climate change mitigation.
Initiatives such as the Greenwave Aotearoa project and insights from experts like Peter Green provide a unique opportunity for businesses to implement sustainable practices.
Kiwi business leaders should concentrate on investing in infrastructure and establishing robust supply chains to tap into the sector’s potential. Collaborating with Māori communities and creating strong regulatory frameworks will be essential. Kiwi business leaders can foster innovation, create jobs, and impact sustainability and the burgeoning seaweed industry.