The UK's fledgling seaweed farming industry is rapidly expanding, driven by the vast economic potential of this sustainable marine resource. Both research and commercial operations are demonstrating seaweed cultivation's ability to provide new revenue streams and employment opportunities for coastal communities across Britain. This excerpt explores how the rise of seaweed farming in the UK could catalyse regeneration of struggling localised economies, while also generating national growth in the emerging biueconomy sectors that rely on seaweed - from food production to biofuels, animal feeds to cosmetics. Environmental benefits like carbon sequestration make seaweed's cultivation all the more vital. However, realising the full promise will require continued innovation in farming technologies, private and public investment to develop processing infrastructure, and government support to help the industry flourish.

Kelp farming provides a multitude of environmental, nutritional, economic and social benefits that support sustainability efforts. Kelp acts as a natural carbon sink to mitigate climate change. It provides habitat for marine biodiversity. Kelp is nutrient-dense and high in iodine. Aquaculture enterprises create jobs and local development. However, scaling up kelp farming requires research into sustainable practices. With innovation, kelp aquaculture can expand as a sustainable food source, combat climate change, support livelihoods and restore ocean ecosystems.