A strategic review and research roadmap for offshore seaweed aquaculture - a case study from southern Australia

Global seaweed aquaculture production has more than tripled since 2002 and is dominated by Asian countries with farming operations that typically occur in relatively wave-protected, nearshore areas. To meet future demand, production must move to “non-traditional” regions and into less contested waters offshore. However, the technological complexities and uncertainties in the performance of seaweed cultivated in high-energy offshore environments are substantial and must be overcome. Here, we identify knowledge gaps and suggest a research roadmap to inform the advancement of a commercial offshore seaweed aquaculture industry using southern Australian species as case studies: (1) Durvillaea spp. (order Fucales); (2) four kelps (order Laminariales); and (3) the rhodophyte Asparagopsis. These groups lie along a spectrum of commercial viability and readiness for offshore aquaculture, and key knowledge gaps are cultivation technology and the suitability to offshore conditions. Cultivation of Durvillaea is restricted by a low level of biological and technical understanding, but there is high market potential and readiness. For laminarian kelps, commercial production in nearshore conditions is already occurring elsewhere, which make them the most likely candidate for offshore cultivation in the medium term. Asparagopsis is least suited to offshore conditions, with substantial gaps in general cultivation knowledge, and its cultivation is likely to be restricted to land-based systems or relatively sheltered nearshore waters. The knowledge gaps identified here will inform research and development programs to advance offshore seaweed aquaculture in southern Australia and globally.