Jaclyn P. Robidoux1,2
1Maine Sea Grant, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States
2University of Maine Cooperative Extension, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States
Within the past decade Maine has emerged as the leader in U.S. seaweed production, with a growing number of commercial farms and processors, significant developments in supply chain and markets, and increases in landings, investments, and infrastructure. The U.S. is actively pursuing seaweed cultivation at a variety of scales for sustainable food and biomass production as well as co-benefits to cultivation, including carbon capture and sequestration in coastal waters. Furthermore, marine resource infrastructure and markets in Maine and the U.S. are well positioned to incorporate and expand seaweed crops and value-added products into revenue streams alongside traditional fisheries. In 2010, the U.S. had a single Maine-based kelp farm and undeveloped supply chain. Over a decade later, Maine has over 35 commercial kelp farms and has seen exponential growth in farm acreage and landings, diverse and expanding processing operations, and the creation of a viable supply chain. The rapid growth in Maine’s emerging seaweed sector has been enabled by an organized permitting process, state and federal investments in research and development, a well-established maritime workforce and infrastructure, and coupled processor-product producer businesses that contract directly with seaweed farmers and work with wholesalers and retailers to reach end consumers. Continued investments in production and harvest systems, processing infrastructure and technology, new markets, and climate initiatives are critical to advancing the emerging seaweed sector in Maine and the U.S.