In 2022, the New York Times highlighted the environmental damage caused by industrial agriculture, including greenhouse gas emissions and future supply and demand issues. Seaweed farming, part of the expanding ocean-based blue economy, may offer a solution by shifting crop production to the ocean. Seaweeds could provide co-benefits such as supporting marine habitats, diverse livelihoods in coastal areas, and aiding in climate mitigation and adaptation. Communities, researchers, and commercial bodies are starting to explore large-scale seaweed farming.

Despite their promise, the true value of seaweeds remains mostly undiscovered. They could be employed for various purposes, including food, feed, and fuel, reducing the environmental impacts of land-based agriculture. Seaweed could become prominent in diets, livestock feed, and biofuel feedstock globally, freeing up land for carbon-storing forests or reclaiming abandoned areas. Ramping up seaweed use could mitigate future greenhouse gas emissions, especially by supplementing livestock feed with specific seaweeds.

However, these best-case scenarios require overcoming technical, logistical, and economic barriers. Comprehensive impact and risk assessments must be carried out, considering local contexts and risks. Managing the benefits and trade-offs of seaweed farming is crucial, and addressing knowledge gaps is vital to ensure no harm to critical habitats. Learning from failures in other industries and adopting a community-driven approach may be necessary to avoid negative outcomes.

Large-scale seaweed farming offers a promising pathway towards sustainable development and the growth of a blue economy. Realizing this potential requires more research, technological advancements, and supportive policies. By recognizing seaweeds as valuable resources and integrating them into global markets and sustainability strategies, the full power of oceans can be harnessed.