Seaweed Forum Wales (SFW)

Spearheading the Establishment of an Industry Based on Cultivated Seaweed

Cultivation – Bioprocessing – Commercialisation

Purpose

Seaweed Forum Wales was formed late 2016 by founders Fiona Trappe and Charles Blair of BDW Consulting. They recognised an opportunity to unlock the potential of a natural untapped resource in Wales – seaweed.

Since then they have engaged with experts across the globe; engaged with all relevant stakeholders; completed a comprehensive report ‘Accelerating Industry Development for Wales’ and participated in various international conferences.

To date this initiative has been self-funded and has generated interest from a wide range of individuals and leading institutions in the UK and across Europe.

An emerging industry with transformational opportunities. The specific and wider benefits for Wales will be evident on several highly significant related areas.

Of significance, is that not only will the industry boost the economy with its multiple and diverse applications within high-value sectors, it is also at the forefront of the quest to mitigate carbon levels in our atmosphere. It requires no land, no fertilisers or freshwater to grow and is one of the fastest growing plants on our planet!

Aims

  • Identify seed funding and investment in order to realise this opportunity for Wales.
  • Engage with stakeholders and coalesce public and private sector interest Wales to support and promote awareness and interests in growing a seaweed industry that will provide year-round employment and business opportunities for coastal communities around seaweed farming and downstream (value-added) processing.
  • Disseminate information, provide training and support, encourage innovation and knowledge transfer from specialists and leaders in seaweed farming and processing, as the basis for a sustainable economic and research development industry in the region.
  • The intention is that Seaweed Forum Wales will eventually become a membership and network organisation representing the seaweed industry in Wales and a knowledge hub to educate on marine and marine protection.

Applications

  • Biofuels – including aviation
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmeceuticals
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Medical devices
  • Thalassotherapy
  • Bioplastic
  • Fertiliser
  • Fibres
  • Food
  • Feed

Opportunities

  • Marine Bioprocessing
  • Co-location with Offshore Energy Systems
  • Advanced Farming and Harvesting Techniques
  • Sector Specific Product Development & Commercialisation