Seaweed (macroalgae) aquaculture has long been established in Asia and is rapidly expanding in Europe and South America, while in the United States it remains an emerging industry marked by both promise and persistent challenges. The past several years have seen steady growth in U.S. farms, research, and workforce development, alongside bottlenecks in permitting, seed supply, and processing infrastructure. At the same time, international markets and production systems are evolving quickly, offering lessons and opportunities for cross-regional collaboration.
As hosts of the Macroalgae Session, this introductory presentation will provide a concise overview of the global seaweed landscape and the current status of the U.S. industry. By highlighting shared challenges, emerging innovations, and areas of opportunity, we will set the stage for the session’s presentations. Talks that follow will dive deeper into specific topics—ranging from hatchery and farm operations to product development, workforce training, and ecological interactions—creating a comprehensive picture of where seaweed aquaculture is today and where it is heading.
Keywords: seaweed aquaculture, U.S. seaweed, global trends, permitting