NZ pilot project aims to establish commercial seaweed farming sector

A NZ$5 million commercial regenerative seaweed farming pilot backed by the New Zealand government could mark the beginning of a new industry for the country.

“Through our Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures) we’re investing nearly $2 million in a pilot programme that aims to help seaweed farmers throughout New Zealand to establish their own farms, using a regenerative ocean farming model,” says Steve Penno, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) director of investment programmes.

“The model was developed by GreenWave in the United States, and the pilot will take place in the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Plenty. It will include hatchery production, on-water farming, seaweed processing, and training programmes for seaweed farmers.”

Auckland Council is also investing NZ$1.2 million in the three-year project, with EnviroStrat and additional investors making up the balance.

The project has been supported by grants from Akina, BayTrust, Foundation North, Ports of Auckland and The Tindall Foundation during its establishment phase. Ngai Tai ki Tamaki is supporting the project by providing access to recently consented marine farming space and sharing knowledge of traditional Maori values to enhance the project’s success.

The University of Waikato will lead the research and trial designs, and Premium Seas and AgriSea will contribute their production, market and processing expertise.

“There’s limited research and development available for ocean-grown seaweed in Aotearoa currently, which is a significant barrier to establishing a seaweed sector,” says Mawae Morton, Executive Chair of GreenWave NZ.

“This project will provide the proof-of-concept for farming New Zealand seaweed at a commercial scale. Positive findings will provide confidence to new entrants and co-investors, reducing the risk associated with the creation of a new sector.

“The intellectual property developed through the project will be accessible to the sector.”

The project is developing hatchery facilities able to produce enough seaweed to support commercialisation. It will develop on-water farm infrastructure and growing techniques, and test production to prove the commercial viability of seaweed farming.

“Markets exist for locally produced seaweed-based products, and there is potential to develop future markets for blue carbon and nutrient credits,” says Mr Penno.

“This project will measure the potential environmental benefits, which include increasing marine biodiversity, improving water quality through the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorous, carbon sequestration, and potential erosion protection for coastlines.”