POLICY GUIDELINES for the commercial cultivation of seaweed in Scotland have been published to provide clarity over where seaweed may be grown.

The Seaweed Cultivation Policy Statement, available on the Scottish Government website, also sets out the framework concerning the environmental impacts of seaweed farms, including the requirement that growers should consider and mitigate adverse environmental impacts, only use native species, and keep clear of pollution when growing for human consumption.

Small to medium sized seaweed farms can be located anywhere in Scotland, subject to agreement and appropriate local conditions, the statement also said.

Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing, said: “We are starting to see growth in seaweed as a commercial product, used in a huge range of items including food, cosmetics and fertilisers.

“We know the west coast of Scotland is the perfect environment for seaweed cultivation and indications suggest that there may be significant economic opportunities ready to be developed in this area.

“The Scottish Government is committed to building growth in our rural economy, by supporting rural producers and businesses,” said Mr Ewing. “This policy statement was developed after full consultation with stakeholders so we can understand and take into account the needs of industry and communities.”

Dr Michele Stanley FRSB, centre lead for Marine Biotechnology at the Scottish Association for Marine Science said: “The publication of the Seaweed Cultivation Policy Statement will start to give this industry, which is very much in its infancy, much needed guidance and clarity about setting up a seaweed farm.”