Seaweed Farming Innovation, Cornwall

Seaweed farming needs no land, fertiliser, freshwater, or feed & it does not produce waste. This makes it an incredibly clean and efficient way to remove carbon, increase biodiversity and create sustainable products for people. At Biome’s farm, seaweed fronds grow both horizontally and vertically creating rich shelter and nursery grounds for young fish, shellfish and invertebrates. Seaweed farms also offer a resting ground for migratory birds, including environmentally important & endangered species. Many organisms make the seaweed their home, as it provides an important food source. When benthic organisms like crabs and whelks eat the seaweed, carbon is transferred into the exoskeletons and shells and can become long-term carbon sinks when they are discarded.

Seaweed plays a critical role in controlling water quality. For example, when seaweed is farmed next to shellfish farms or in areas with high nutrient loading from agriculture, seaweed absorbs nutrients from the waste produced - this is called bioremediation. Seaweed also helps us adapt to climate change, including the control of water pH and oxygen supply, locally reducing the effects of coral-killing ocean acidification and de-oxygenation. Seaweed forests can even reduce the impact of storms by physically protecting shorelines.

Seaweed is multifaceted, and provides many benefits to counteract environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. This includes impacts on land, as seaweed can be an alternative to synthetic fertilisers, helping to improve soil quality and reduce the carbon emissions from agriculture. Biome Algae focuses specifically on native species that grow naturally in Europe, ensuring that the farm also supports the biodiversity of seaweed in the long-term.

Biome Algae is regenerating the coastal economy in the UK South West through employment, training and business support. Seaweed holds many answers for the future of coastal communities, who have in the past been left behind by urbanisation and depopulation. As well as creating a new market with sustainable job opportunities, Biome is supporting eco-tourism to their seaweed farms. The trips educate all generations on the importance and benefits of sustainable and regenerative seaweed farming. Building on this, the project will provide information boards to the local community to support the tourism industry, promote other traditional and sustainable local businesses and actively participate in community-led initiatives.

Research and education is central to Biome’s work, and they strongly believe in supporting local educators and engaging with students. They aim to instil an appreciation for the marine environment, its sustainable use & the solutions it presents for future generations. As well as local benefits, seaweed can have a far-reaching impact on society.

Seaweed farming can help us to create a more sustainable, circular economy. This is because seaweed can be integrated into many products and manufacturing processes, including: Bio-textiles to replace plastic for shoes and clothing; Bio-plastic packaging to replace take out cartons, sachets, food pouches and single use plastic film; Cattle feed to improve digestive health and reduce methane emissions; Fertilisers which producers significantly less carbon than chemical fertilisers; and Biostimulants to naturally encourage growth of land-based crops.