August 16, 2021
Seaweed bounty waiting to be tapped
Māori could play a major role in creating a prosperous rimurimu/seaweed industry.
A new report from the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge has identified some of the economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits Aotearoa could gain from farming seaweed.
Project leader Serean Adams from the Cawthron Institute says seaweed makes up almost a third of global aquaculture production, but New Zealand’s seaweed sector is in its infancy.
She recommends identifying the unique characteristics of native species and developing those species into high value products and services.
Report co-author Andy Elliot, from Wakatū Incorporation, says a collective systems approach is needed for Aotearoa to have a thriving, sustainable seaweed aquaculture sector.
He says that includes reducing some of the regulatory barriers holding back the sector, recognition and respect for those who hold mātauranga, and valuing resources unique to communities and regions.
There also needs to be co-design and partnership from Government and aligned investors.
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