UF/IFAS and Florida Sea Grant-led project investigates if sustainable seaweed farming can thrive in the state’s coastal waters, offering economic and environmental benefits.
Florida’s coastal waters are known for their bounty of oysters, clams, and shrimp, but a new research initiative is exploring whether seaweed could join the list of the state’s profitable marine crops. A team of researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and Florida Sea Grant is investigating the feasibility and economic potential of cultivating seaweed in the Sunshine State.
Launched with a $250,000 grant from NOAA, the project brings together scientists, industry partners, and Extension agents to determine if Florida’s unique environment is suitable for a thriving seaweed aquaculture industry. This effort could pave the way for a high-value crop similar to those already established in parts of Europe and the Americas.
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A Global Commodity with Local Potential
Led by Dr. Ashley Smyth, an associate professor at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, the team’s initial findings have generated significant interest from researchers and entrepreneurs. “Seaweed aquaculture has tripled over the past two decades—with Asia producing nearly all the supply—and it’s one of the fastest-growing commodity sectors globally,” said Angela Collins, a Florida Sea Grant assistant Extension scientist and co-principal investigator on the project.
Beyond its use as a food source, seaweed is a versatile crop with a wide range of applications. “A lot of times people think immediately of food when it comes to seaweed farming, but it’s also used in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, as well as thickeners and bio packaging, fertilizer, and animal feed,” Collins explained.
More Than a Crop: A Tool for Water Quality
A key focus of the research is how seaweed could benefit Florida’s delicate ecosystems. As Dr. Smyth notes, “Seaweed acts like a sponge, pulling excess nitrogen out of the water. If harvested, it removes that nitrogen completely, which means it could serve as both a product for growers and a tool for improving water quality.” This ability to improve water quality could provide an added economic benefit for growers and the state.
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The research, which is in its early stages, is examining which native seaweed species naturally occur in Florida’s waters. Doctoral student Gabrielle Foursa is leading much of this hands-on work. “Step one is really understanding what we have here in Florida waters,” Foursa said. “From there, we can start to figure out which species might be useful, and for what purposes.”
Economic Viability is Key
The project is also collaborating with industry partners, like Aaron Welch of Two Docks Shellfish Co., who has already conducted small-scale trials. Researchers are working to understand the economic viability for local producers. According to UF/IFAS economist Andrew Ropicki, the team’s goal is to determine if seaweed can be grown profitably in Florida. “The key is finding opportunities where local seaweed offers unique value, whether through niche markets or environmental benefits,” he said. “Florida farmers face higher costs than producers overseas, so we’re looking for opportunities where local seaweed could serve niche or high-value markets or even provide environmental benefits that add economic value.”
The team emphasizes that the project is still in its early stages. The goal is to provide a clear answer—whether positive or negative—that can guide future investment. As Smyth put it, “This is about managing expectations. The answer might be ‘yes,’ that seaweed aquaculture could thrive here. But if the answer is ‘not right now,’ that’s still a win because it saves growers time, money, and effort, and helps us target where future investments should go.”
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