• Regenerative farming plays an important role in both low-impact food and resource production as well as achieving a healthy and balanced marine environment.
  • A new collaboration on regenerative farming between researchers from the Blue Economy CRC and University of Wollongong and local industry leaders is looking at how Indigenous, community and economic values can inform the emerging seaweed farming sector and evolving shellfish farming in waters off the south coast of NSW.
  • The NSW South Coast is already home to a healthy and vibrant oyster industry along with two mussel farms in Jervis Bay and Eden, with a capacity to grow responsibly.
  • A thriving seaweed industry will greatly contribute to not only local economic growth but also play a role in improving water quality.
  • This research will look at social, economic, and cultural values and explore the benefits and impacts of the emerging seaweed farming and other regenerative industries for local communities on the south coast of NSW.
  • Outputs will include guidance for industry leaders to inform any future consultation processes for new regenerative farming leases.

The Blue Economy CRC and University of Wollongong have partnered with local aquaculture industry leaders to undertake social, economic, and cultural research to support regenerative farming in waters off the south coast of NSW, focusing on the emerging seaweed farming industry and shellfish farming.

Regenerative farming is considered one of the most sustainable forms of aquaculture on the planet. It involves the natural environment providing the inputs needed for growth, allowing stock to grow on its own using natural food sources and conditions.

Today, shellfish farming dominates Australia’s regenerative farming footprint. However, Australia’s coastal waters are home to thousands of native seaweed species and offer the potential for a thriving seaweed industry.

This collaborative research project will examine the potential to further develop regenerative farming in the waters off the south coast of NSW, including optimising marine space through the co-location of seaweed and shellfish on the same sites.

The project team will work alongside community, Indigenous rights holders and other marine estate users to understand what matters to them when it comes to growing the blue economy, and what is needed to address community sentiment and grow community support for regenerative aquaculture opportunities in the local area.

Proposed illustration of co-located seaweed and mussel farm

A series of community-focused activities and events are planned over the coming months including a phone-based survey and open community information sessions. The first community information session will be held on Thursday 20 July with refreshments from 4.30pm and proceedings from 5pm – 7pm at Bermagui Community Centre. Register to attend. A second session will follow in Eden in August.

These activities will be a chance for the project team to listen and learn from local community experiences and aspirations. The results will form advice to industry and Government partners about potential pathways for meaningful and genuine collaborations when they undertake formal impact assessment and approval processes.

Hear more from the project team

“Working with community and industry leaders at the onset of an emerging industry allows a deep exploration of what contributes to social licence and how new and emerging industries like seaweed farming can work in partnership with local communities to maximise environmental, social and economic benefits from day 1.”

Angela Williamson, Director of Blue Policy and Planning, Blue Economy CRC

“Our role in this collaboration is to conduct research which will explore how communities feel about these new activities, and identify how these businesses can work with local residents to share the benefits of the developments and address any areas of concern.”

Dr Michelle Voyer from The University of Wollongong

“As a marine biologist and long-term resident of the south coast I am very concerned about our declining kelp forests which provide important habitat for many marine species.

Kelp farming, often referred to as regenerative ocean farming has many environmental benefits including reducing ocean acidification and improving biodiversity.

I am very keen to meet with the community to understand their views about our proposal for a seaweed farm in the area.”

Jo Lane, SeaEO Seahealth Products

“Increasing ocean temperatures have caused a sharp reduction in wild kelp numbers in Australian waters.”

“If successful, this may do more than just create local jobs and deliver high-protein foods and products in an environmentally-friendly way; kelp farming may just help to preserve kelp in NSW waters over the longer term.”

Christopher Ride, Founder of Auskelp

Find out more about the project and sign up to the project mailing list on the project page.

This project was successful at securing funds from the Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund – Round 1. F

Project Partners