A situation analysis for washington state’s emergent seaweed aquaculture industry

Title : A situation analysis for washington state’s emergent seaweed aquaculture industry

Abstract:

When done well, seaweed aquaculture has benefits for nature and people. Restorative seaweed aquaculture can provide local economic opportunities and jobs, while also having positive impacts on the environment like improving water quality, combating impacts of ocean acidification, providing habitat, and serving as a sustainable food source in an increasingly food insecure world. While established globally, seaweed aquaculture has more recently emerged in the United States. The industry was initiated on the U.S. East Coast, but interest along the West Coast is growing. As the fastest-growing aquaculture sector, considerations must be made regarding site requirements, designs, infrastructure and best management practices. Efficient permitting processes must also balance seaweed aquaculture development with environmental considerations.  This poster presentation will highlight the findings of a situation analysis conducted on the status of Washington State’s seaweed research and industry and its relationship to the rest of the Pacific Northwest region (Oregon, British Columbia and Alaska), the regulatory landscape, considerations for future development of seaweed aquaculture, current markets and analysis of emerging markets that intersect with conservation interests, key infrastructure gaps, and financial needs.

What will audience learn from your presentation?

• The audience will learn the process of conducting a situation analysis and understand the state of seaweed aquaculture in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, an up-and-coming industry.
• The audience will gain an understanding of important considerations in seaweed aquaculture that may help them to make decisions in their own jobs.
• The poster presentation will discuss a suite of applications that can be used in a developing seaweed aquaculture industry, and while it will be Pacific Northwest specific, can be used for areas around the globe.
• The research presented can be used to expand others’ research or teaching by providing a framework for discussing seaweed aquaculture and the multitude of facets that must be considered, such as site requirements, designs, infrastructure, best management practices, permitting, and economic and environmental sustainability.

Biography:

Monea Kerr studied Environmental Policy at the University of Washington, USA and graduated with her Masters of Public Administration in 2022. She then joined The Nature Conservancy for a yearlong fellowship focused on seaweed aquaculture in Washington State and beyond. She is part of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe that resides on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, where her passion for the marine environment developed and blossomed. While her fellowship is focused on seaweed aquaculture, Monea is interested in restorative aquaculture of all kinds, as well as conservation and restoration.