Since the early 2010s, the U.S. seaweed aquaculture industry has steadily expanded. Notable states such as Alaska, Maine, Hawaii, and Connecticut have led the way in the development of this domestic industry. Unfortunately, information on certain sectors of the domestic seaweed industry is lacking. The goal of this study was to examine the status of the seaweed aquaculture industry along the West Coast, specifically California, Oregon, and Washington State. Seaweed farmers in these states were asked economic and production questions regarding their operations.
Fourteen seaweed farms were identified in this region, 11 of which responded to the survey (79% response rate). Data from nine for-profit seaweed farms was analyzed. The average age of a West Coast seaweed farm was 10 years. In 2023, California produced approximately 144,242 kg of farmed seaweed, making it the fourth-largest producer of farmed seaweed in the U.S. Oregon and Washington were combined into one region, the Pacific Northwest, which produced around 10,432 kg of seaweed. The top four farmed seaweed species on the West Coast were Pacific Dulse (Devaleraea mollis), Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana), Sea Lettuce (Ulva), and Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera); with Pacific Dulse being the most profitable. The West Coast has six land-based (tank tumble culture) and five longline farms. Our analysis found that only the land-based systems were profitable. In 2023, 37 full-time and 14 part-time folks were employed with the West Coast seaweed aquaculture industry. Many farmers reported selling directly to customers. Key challenges for farmers included obtaining permits, navigating regulations, and limited market demand (Figure 1). Despite these challenges, 67% of farmers felt very optimistic or optimistic about the future of the West Coast seaweed aquaculture industry. Top recommendations for this industry include streamlining the regulatory process, subsidizing seaweed crops, and expanding into new markets, including the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries.