Nicholas A. O. Hill1,2,3, Amado P. Blanco1,2,4
1Coast 4C, Cronulla, NSW 2230, Australia, 2Coast 4C Philippines, Talibon, Bohol, Philippines, 3Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia, 4Zoological Society of London-Philippines, Iloilo City, Philippines.
As the world struggles with pessimistic outlooks for climate and biodiversity, seaweed is increasingly presented as a refreshing, positive opportunity for industry to deliver for the 4Cs of Community, Conservation, Commerce and Climate. The most cultivated seaweeds globally, the eucheumatoids, are particularly significant as they are grown primarily by marginalised coastal communities in the global south facing the brunt of the climate and biodiversity crises. However, there is growing concern around the sustainability of eucheumatoid production that has led major brands to adopt sustainability commitments, and marine conservation groups are increasingly assessing whether promotion of seaweed projects are delivering biodiversity gains. Here, we present data that shows that the promotion of seaweed farming has historically done very little to prevent continued loss of marine biodiversity, and in the majority of cases has actually increased threats to and pressure on marine biodiversity. Utilising a mixed methods approach, we identify the key drivers for these outcomes, and demonstrate that there are entry points for creating regenerative seaweed value chains. Finally, we present a blueprint for what it would take to create a truly regenerative seaweed value chain that delivers for the 4Cs. We argue that it is imperative for the seaweed revolution to learn from the mistakes of ‘business-as-usual’ agri-development pathways so that it may become the foundation for an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.