Oban is hosting a significant event for the seaweed industry this week as the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA) Conference kicks off today, November 14 until Thursday, November 16.
With 170 expected attendees, this conference marks a “pivotal moment” for the industry, being the first of its kind in three and a half years.
The conference aims to bring together experts, enthusiasts, and industry leaders to share insights, collaboration, and promises to focus on developing best practices for the sustainable growth of the sector.
Spanning three days, the conference is an eagerly-awaited event that will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and discussions on the latest developments in the seaweed industry.
The gathering will feature a diverse range of participants, including scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, all eager to contribute to the industry’s advancement.
The minister for energy and environment, Gillian Martin MSP, will be joining the SSIA in welcoming people from all over the world to share their experiences in seaweed aquaculture.
“Oban is rapidly emerging as the focal point for Scottish seaweed,” an SSIA spokesperson says. “The nutrient-rich, cold coastal environment is a perfect location to trial seaweed farms off the west coast of Scotland.
“Over the last 10 years, 12 seaweed licence applications have been approved, from Kilchoan to the Isle of Skye. The geographical position of Oban, as both a transport and research hub, makes it an ideal place for the development of the seaweed industry and the shared knowledge of the aquaculture sector.
“One of the primary objectives of the conference is to foster the development of best practices within the global seaweed industry. As the sector continues to expand, the need for sustainable and ethical practices becomes more important.
“The conference will feature dedicated sessions and workshops focused on sharing success stories, addressing challenges, and collaboratively shaping guidelines that prioritize the long-term health of both the industry and the marine environment.
“As the SSIA Conference kicks off, it beckons us to witness not just an event but a turning point—a moment where the research and innovation meets practical challenges around sustainability, we are shaping the future of the seaweed industry.”