Global aquaculture production continues to increase, whilst capture fisheries stagnate (FAO et al. 2014). Many wild fisheries have been overexploited and cultivation, if managed sustainably, is a viable alternative. The seaweed industry is undergoing a rapid global expansion and currently accounts for ~27% of the total global aquaculture production (tonnes) (FAO et al. 2014). Unabated, exponential growth in the last 50 years, has meant that the value of the industry reached US$5.6 billion in 2014 providing jobs, predominantly in developing and emerging economies. There is, however, increasing need to address new challenges imposed by market demand for the products in both developing and developed countries. Case studies from the seaweed, shrimp and banana growing industries, clearly show that valuable lessons can be drawn from the major seaweed producing nations and other aqua- and agriculture sectors. In particular, improving biosecurity, disease prevention and detection measures are critical (Naylor et al. 1998, Troell et al. 2003, Tett 2008, Browdy et al. 2010, Ordonez et al. 2015), together with establishing policies and institutions, at national and international level, which provide incentives and steer the long-term economic and environmental development of a sustainable seaweed aquaculture industry. This paper aims to highlight some of the key issues that need to be addressed to create a platform for the long-term sustainability this emerging industry, as it prepares itself for participation in the Blue Economy agenda.
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