Marine

Seaweed cultivation consultation launched

September 3, 2013 by Marine Scotland Communications No Comments | Category Marine Directorate general

Seaweed. Copyright SNH.

Seaweed has a long history globally of being used as a human and animal food source. It can also be used in the production of potash, methane, acetone and butanol. Seaweed extracts are commonly used in a range of different products such as cosmetics, medicines and fertilisers.

Scottish aquaculture is a growing and increasingly important industry which helps to underpin sustainable economic growth in rural and coastal communities, especially in the Highlands and Islands. The Scottish Government supports the aquaculture industry’s aspirations to grow the sector sustainably, and the development of traditional aquaculture sectors, as well as possible diversification into other species, such as seaweed cultivation. Scotland currently has seven established small-scale seaweed sites, licensed and regulated under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.

Marine Scotland are now consulting on a draft Seaweed Policy Statement and related Strategic Environmental Assessment , seeking views on seaweed cultivation. The policy statement aim is to manage and regulate seaweed cultivation, and facilitate the sustainable development of the industry while mitigating any environmental impacts.

The closing date for responses is 17 November 2013.

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