Project abstract summary seaweed farming presents a new opportunity for floridas shellfish farmers and provides environmental benefits through the bioextraction of nitrogen

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $375,339 Cooperative Agreement under the Sea Grant Support program (CFDA 11.417) to the University of Florida (UF) Division of Sponsored Research. The award period runs from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027.

The funding will support research to assess the viability of a tropical seaweed industry in Florida. Key objectives include: 1) identifying dominant seaweed species and valuable natural compounds at shellfish farming sites; 2) measuring nitrogen assimilation and growth rates to evaluate seaweed's potential for water quality restoration; 3) optimizing growth and production practices for high-value species; 4) conducting market analyses; and 5) developing techno-economic analyses on culturing methods and species. The project aims to increase knowledge about tropical seaweed production and commercialization opportunities, supporting the expansion of seaweed aquaculture in Florida.

Seaweed aquaculture in the united states is still in the early stages of development, and most production is focused on cold-water species, like kelp. Floridas extensive coastline and tropical growing conditions present opportunities for cultivating tropical species. Floridas shellfish aquaculture industry is well equipped with the skills and knowledge to expand into seaweed and is currently looking for opportunities to diversify its products to reduce risk. This proposed work aims to provide information needed to answer questions about the viability of a seaweed industry in florida. Specifically, we will: 1) identify the dominant species that naturally occur at shellfish leases and assess the presence of high-value natural compounds; 2) measure N assimilation rates and growth rates to assess contributions to nutrient removal and potential use as a tool for water quality restoration and payments for ecosystem services plans; 3) perform laboratory experiments to optimize growth and production practices for identified high valued species and trial results in land-based systems; 4) conduct a market evaluation to determine which tropical species are most likely to be high value; 5) develop techno-economic analyses that will aid in evaluating the economic feasibility of different culturing methods and species; 6) engage stakeholders via conference presentations, publications, workshops, webinars, and educational materials that effectively translate project results and efficiently relay the transfer of information to the industry for application. The project team will work within their networks, including florida sea grant, UF/ifas extension, and various state agencies and industry organizations to communicate project results. Overall, this research will increase knowledge about the production of tropical seaweed and its potential for commercialization. Results from this study will pave the way for expanding seaweed aquaculture in florida.