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THE SEAWEED HATCHERY PROJECT:

Development and demonstration of viable hatchery and ongrowing methodologies for seaweed species with identified commercial potential.

Ireland has a long association with using seaweeds, for example, for use in fertilizing the land, and as a foodstuff. Seaweed is still sustainably harvested in parts of the West and North-West of Ireland for a variety of applications, including for use in the cosmetics industry, fertiliser and as a feed for abalone. Demand for some species outstrips their supply, so the development of commercial cultivation has been identified as a way of providing a supply of high quality seaweeds.  Established in March 2008 for a three year duration, the Seaweed Hatchery Project has identified three suitable species of seaweed for scaling up experimental methods of cultivation to pilot or commercial scale. These include the edible red algae Palmaria palmata, and Porphyra sp., and the large brown kelp, Laminaria digitata. The project is conducted through a partnership of academics (Queen's University, Belfast and National University Ireland, Galway) and the seaweed industry (6 partners), coordinated by BIM (Bord Iaschaigh Mhara). Cultivation research is conducted through three separate seaweed hatcheries in the North, South-West and West of Ireland, which supply 'seeded' material to 5 sea trial sites, licenced for seaweed aquaculture. Further elements of the project include economic and marketing analyses, training courses and materials, and a desk-based study for making an assessment of future seaweed farm site selection. The multi-faceted approach to the establishment of commercial seaweed cultivation techniques will provide vital information required for the development of a seaweed aquaculture industry in Ireland.

PROJECT AIMS:

The Seaweed Hatchery Project has the following scientific and industry-focused aims:

• Establishment of optimal hatchery culture conditions for each seaweed species
• Monitoring and improving the yield of cultured seaweeds on culture rigs at various licensed sea sites
• Development of seaweed harvesting strategies at sea sites
• Seaweed marketing strategy report
• Economic analyses for the three seaweed species
• Training courses in algal cultivation techniques
• Production of cultivation manuals under BIM's 'Aquaculture Explained' series
• Desk-based GIS study for assessing requirements for locating seaweed cultivation sites, using Bantry Bay as the study area. 

PROJECT PARTNERS:

The project has a total of 3 partners and 6 industry associates.

Partners:

• Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) - Lead Partner
• Ryan Institute, NUI Galway (Ireland)
• Queen's University, Belfast (QUB)
  

Industry Associates:

• Cartron Point Shellfish (CPS) Ltd.
• Tower AquaProducts Ltd.
• G&B Barge Operators Ltd.
• Irish Seaweeds
• Roaring Water Bay Seaweed Cooperative Society Ltd.
• Dingle Bay Seaweeds

FUNDED BY:

Funded by the Sea Change Strategy with the support of the Marine Institute and the Marine Research Sub-programme of the National Development Plan, 2007-2013, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

LINK:

 

Ireland leads the way with innovative seaweed research project:
www.marine.ie/home/aboutus/newsroom/pressreleases/Seaweedfarmingproject2010.htm

CONTACT DETAILS:

Dr. Maeve Edwards,
Carna Research Facility,
Ryan Institute,
Muigh Inis, Carna
Co. Galway

Tel: +353 (0)95 32201
maeve.edwardsnuigalway.ie

 

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