Options
Responsible supply systems for macroalgae: Upscaling seaweed cultivation in Ireland
Author(s)
Date Issued
2023-01-30
Date Available
2024-07-23T14:48:59Z
Abstract
To address societal challenges and attend to the increasing demand for seaweed while avoiding the over-exploitation of wild resources, the future expansion of the Irish seaweed industry depends on upscaling macroalgal cultivation. Through an interdisciplinary research approach, this study aimed to conduct an in-depth investigation of the prospects of upscaling seaweed aquaculture in Ireland through the lens of sustainability management. The identification of responsibilities of emerging enterprises was aligned with socio-ecological dimensions of sustainability and found to be related to: 1) the natural environment, 2) the development of rural coastal communities, 3) the engagement with local actors and 4) the customer segment. Moreover, seaweed cultivation still faces many uncertainties and bottlenecks from the operational up to institutional levels. Distinct from seaweed collected from the wild, cultivated seaweed has more phases added to the supply chain cycle. This includes, for example, the optimal site selection, the granting of an aquaculture licence and potentially social licence to operate, seed supply, and optimal timing for cultivation or harvest depending on the species, processing capacity and end-uses. The results contribute to an enhanced and holistic understanding of macroalgal cultivation in Ireland, as well as the social responsibility of emerging enterprises over socio-ecological systems and for the establishment of new supply chains based on seaweed. This can help to guide better decision-making of prospective growers, certification bodies, and policymakers in Ireland and beyond.
Sponsorship
European Commission Horizon 2020
Other Sponsorship
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Innovative Training Networks (ITN)
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal
Aquaculture
Volume
563
Issue
2
Start Page
1
End Page
10
Copyright (Published Version)
2022 Elsevier
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
ISSN
0044-8486
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
File(s)
No Thumbnail Available
Name
Manuscript_accepted_Cerca_et_al_2023.docx
Size
1.54 MB
Format
Unknown
Checksum (MD5)
2a6e58dda3320556d8407ff5318f032e
Owning collection