October 11, 2022
Māori stake in fledgling seaweed industry
Iwi is seen as playing a major role in a rimurimu or seafood sector which could bring economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits.
The Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge has funded the development of a seaweed sector framework outlining a vision of what the sector could look like and a pathway to get there.
Industry case studies included CH4 Global, Kelp Blue, Pacific Harvest, Premium Seas, and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui.
Aotearoa New Zealand Seaweed Association chair Clare Bradley says interest in seaweed aquaculture is growing around the world as an opportunity for positive environmental and social outcomes.
She says those developing the sector need to respect the whakapapa, mātauranga and the relationships mana whenua and mana moana have with rimurimu.
There also needs to be an investment in quality research and value chains that deliver healthy ecosystems and high-value products.