Advancing Regenerative Ocean Farming IN THE u.s.
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 offer many benefits for coastal communities, ecosystems, and economies. Regenerative ocean farms have the potential to increase local food security and nutrition. Farmed kelp and seaweed canopies can help 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, and help mitigate harmful algal blooms, deoxygenated dead zones, and local ocean acidification. Farmed seaweed and shellfish also have the potential to mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon.
Below are a few resources that offer critical context and guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates shaping the future of regenerative ocean farming in the U.S.
Factsheet
Regenerative Ocean Farming
A primer explaining what, exactly, regenerative ocean farming is and how it can provide climate solutions.
Policy memo
Advancing Regenerative Ocean Farming in the U.S.
Informed by conversations with 65 stakeholders across the U.S., our memo offers recommendations for how local, state, and federal policymakers can responsibly grow the ocean farming industry by maximizing ecological and socio-economic health while minimizing potential negative impacts.
pOLICY GUIDE
Policy Recommendations at a Glance
A handy one-pager of our recommendations for how local, state, and federal policymakers can support the regenerative ocean farming industry.
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Virtual Information Session
UOL hosted a virtual information session on the actions policymakers can take to support the regenerative ocean farming industry.