New regulatory guidance for marine seaweed aquaculture businesses in England
4 June 2025
Businesses looking to establish or expand seaweed farms in marine English waters can now benefit from comprehensive regulatory guidance published today.
The new document, developed by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and Natural England, alongside Defra and published on the Seafish website, provides a clear pathway for applying for marine licences for seaweed aquaculture.
Seaweed farming represents a growing opportunity for sustainable food production and economic growth. The guidance addresses industry concerns about navigating the complex licensing process that has previously hindered sector development.
The document outlines how to apply for necessary licences and details which regulatory bodies and stakeholders should be involved at each stage of setting up, maintaining and decommissioning a seaweed farm.
Industry representatives have contributed to the guidance to ensure it accurately reflects the challenges faced by businesses and provides practical solutions.
The UK has a long history of seaweed production, with recent innovations expanding its use beyond traditional food and fertilisers to include bio-stimulants, cosmetics, bioplastics and other sustainable materials.
Over the last decade, commercial interest in seaweed aquaculture has grown significantly, creating new opportunities for coastal communities and supporting UK food security goals.
A visual infographic outlining the key steps of the process has also been developed, allowing prospective farmers to quickly understand the application process before diving into detailed requirements
The complete regulatory guidance document is now available on the Seafish website as part of the full Aquaculture Regulatory Toolbox. Regulatory guidance for seaweed aquaculture in England — Seafish
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