First Ever Seaweed Nursery Course Launched in the UK

Responding to Industry Demand

In light of the increasing interest in seaweed farming throughout the UK and Europe, the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) located in Oban has introduced a groundbreaking training course focused on the initial stages of seaweed cultivation. This marks a significant step forward, as it is the first course of its kind offered in the UK.

Course Overview

The newly launched course provides participants with essential hands-on skills and key considerations for establishing a seaweed nursery, addressing vital topics such as biosecurity and selective breeding practices. The training was executed by SAMS Enterprise, the commercial branch of SAMS, as part of its Seaweed Academy initiative.

Strong Participation and Diverse Backgrounds

All eight places available on the course were quickly filled, with participants traveling from various locations, including as far as Portugal. Jenny Black, the project manager of Seaweed Academy, remarked on the enthusiastic reception of the course, stating:

“There has been a lot of interest in this course, which we devised based on industry demand. We have run our Seaweed Academy courses for the past three years, but there was a lack of training that delved into the specifics needed to successfully establish a nursery—a crucial stage in seaweed cultivation. Using our expertise at SAMS and our nursery staff, we’ve developed a comprehensive course aimed at enhancing this segment of the seaweed farming value chain.”

Participants’ Insights

The course attracted a diverse group of individuals ranging from aspiring seaweed farmers and researchers to seasoned nursery operators. Scholarships funded by WWF-UK and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) facilitated attendance for some participants.

Beth Marshall from Câr y Môr, Wales’ inaugural regenerative seaweed and shellfish farm, shared her experience:

“The course was really interesting and I have learned a lot to take back to Wales with me. It’s clear that biosecurity and taking time to do things are key to the success of a seaweed nursery. I previously ran a nursery but lacked experience, so it was invaluable to see how the experts do it and identify where I can improve. We are planning to set up a new nursery at Câr-y-Môr, aimed at supporting new seaweed farms in Wales.”

Funding and Future Plans

The development of the course was supported by funding from the Michael Uren Foundation and WWF-UK, with additional financial backing for participant placements from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

SAMS Enterprise intends to conduct the course annually, with plans to refresh the curriculum in accordance with ongoing research efforts at SAMS.

Learn More

For further information about the training opportunities offered through the Seaweed Academy, visit the official website: Seaweed Academy – Supporting Expansion and Skills Development for the Seaweed Aquaculture Industry.