Can the Emerging European Seaweed Industry Contribute to Climate Change Mitigation by Enhancing Carbon Sequestration?

• DOI: 10.1111/raq.70004
• Publication Date: 2025-03-11T15:26:57Z
• Authors: Maxine C. Canvin; Ana R. Borrero‐Sa...; Tom Brook; Mollie Gupta; Jessica Knoop; Georgina Menage; Pippa J. Moore; Nessa E. O'Connor; Aurora M. Ricart; Dan A. Smale

ABSTRACT Blue carbon habitats, which exhibit high rates of natural sequestration, typically refer to salt marshes, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests. Recent studies, however, have argued for the inclusion seaweed‐dominated like kelp forests, into blue frameworks. Farmed seaweed may also function as a habitat, with large‐scale aquaculture suggested climate change mitigation strategy, but evidence base remains limited. Here, existing knowledge on mechanisms influencing uptake, release, transport, storage from farms was synthesised, literature review conducted quantify associated sequestration. We identified strong geographical methodological biases in literature, majority studies Asia focusing primary production proxy sequestration potential. Estimates release were highly variable across locations, species, approaches, scarcity research dissolved organic carbon, sedimentary net ecosystem productivity identified. Although European farming industry is its infancy, it predicted expand meet increasing demand biomass. This incentivised by perceived service benefits such enhanced However, multiple factors including environmental concerns, lack quantitative evidence, operational challenges, regulatory complexities hinder expansion. Based both synthesised empirical an examination key barriers gaps, we identify future challenges priorities needed assess role mitigation.