The seaweed farming industry, once promising for its climate benefits, now faces declining investment, regulatory gaps and financial strain, threatening its growth in the U.S.
Seaweed farming, once a rising sector with climate potential, is suffering from dwindling investment and market instability.
Major challenges include high startup costs, a lack of federal guidelines and the complexity of large-scale ocean farming.
U.S. seaweed farmers also face competition from better-funded European and Asian farms, where government support is stronger.
Key quote:
“We are in what I call the ‘valley of disappointment.’”
— Steven Hermans, founder of Phyconomy.
Why this matters:
Seaweed has vast potential for carbon capture, sustainable food production and replacing petroleum-based products. However, without proper investment and regulation, this growing industry may struggle to thrive, limiting its positive environmental impact.
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While some farms plan to grow massive quantities of kelp, Atlantic Sea Farms is counting on Maine's small-scale fishermen to expand the industry and distribute ownership.
