Overview
Regenerative ocean farming is a climate-friendly model of aquaculture where seaweeds and/or shellfish are grown
in a way that requires no freshwater, feed, or fertilizer. Expanding seaweed and shellfish farming in the U.S.
can create jobs and wealth for coastal communities, and provide an opportunity for fishers to diversify their
income. Regenerative ocean farms have the potential to increase local food security and nutrition by supplying a
sustainable source of seafood rich in protein and nutrients. Farmed kelp and seaweed canopies can help dampen
wave energy and protect coastlines from erosion and coastal storms. Regenerative growing practices can help
improve coastal water quality and increase local biodiversity: Seaweed and shellfish can absorb excess nutrients
(such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon), and help to mitigate harmful algal blooms, deoxygenated dead zones,
and local ocean acidification.
In this memo, we examine some of the barriers, knowledge gaps, and potential impacts of the regenerative ocean farming
industry in the U.S., and make recommendations at the local (county, city, municipality, and town), state, and federal
levels to address these challenges and research needs. This memo and its recommendations were informed by interviews
with 65 stakeholders from 45 organizations across industry, government, academia, and the nonprofit sectors, as well
as a literature review.