Quantifying ecological impacts and changes to ecosystem services as a result of seaweed aquaculture

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Cultivation of microalgae and macroalgae (i.e. seaweeds) currently contributes about 20% of total global aquaculture biomass and is rising rapidly at 8% per year. Seaweed products are used by a range of industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture and human food. Seaweed farming in the UK, as elsewhere, has increased in recent years, although still in its infancy. Two major limitations to continued expansion relate to a lack of information on the local impacts of cultivation, and an assessment of the socioeconomic and ecological benefits of seaweed farming. This project will operate at the interface between fundamental ecology and applied research within a commercial environment, with significant input from non-academic partners. Specifically, the project will examine whether seaweed farms promote local biodiversity, attract and support commercially-important fisheries species, and contribute to local carbon uptake and sequestration. The work will also examine the social/economic benefits and challenges of seaweed farming and translate the findings to facilitate policy and decision making.