In 2022, the New York Times declared industrial agriculture was "destroying ecosystems", pointing to greenhouse gas emissions and issues with future supply and demand. The race to find viable alternatives is underway and one key part of the puzzle might be deep under water.
Seaweed farming — the practice of cultivating and harvesting crops in seabeds — is part of the expanding ocean-based blue economy. More seaweed farming may offer a way to relieve pressure on land by shifting the heightened need for crop production to the ocean. Seaweeds could offer a wide range of co-benefits including supporting marine habitats, enabling diverse livelihoods in coastal areas and aiding in climate mitigation and adaptation.
Communities, researchers and commercial bodies have recognised this potential and are starting to explore large-scale seaweed farming.
