This week, the heart of UK policymaking provided the backdrop for important discussions on our marine future, and SeaGrown was privileged to be part of the conversation. On Thursday, May 22nd, our Directors, Captain Wave Crookes and Professor Laura Robinson, travelled to Westminster to contribute to a significant combined meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Oceans and the APPG for Coastal Communities.
The session, expertly chaired by Alison Hume MP, brought together Parliamentarians from across all parties and both Houses, alongside representatives from key marine organisations like the National Oceanography Centre and the Stronger Shores initiative. The central theme was a vital one: exploring the opportunities and challenges surrounding coastal and marine careers, and charting a course for sustainable development in these crucial environments.
For SeaGrown, this was a valuable opportunity to share our journey and the tangible impacts of our pioneering work in offshore seaweed cultivation. Wave and Laura highlighted how SeaGrown, through our innovative Kelpedo™ system, is not just an environmental initiative but a burgeoning driver of a new, sustainable industry on the Yorkshire Coast. They detailed how this is translating into diverse employment opportunities – from highly skilled technical and scientific roles to positions utilising traditional maritime expertise – directly addressing the meeting's focus on marine careers.
Beyond job creation, the discussion covered the significant environmental co-benefits that well-managed seaweed cultivation can deliver. Wave and Laura presented evidence of how our offshore site is enhancing marine biodiversity, contributing to cleaner seas through nutrient uptake, and playing a role in carbon dioxide absorption, all vital components for climate change mitigation and a healthier ocean. We were pleased to offer a real-world example of sustainable seaweed production solutions in action.
Engaging with policymakers and fellow marine stakeholders in forums like these APPG meetings is crucial. It allows for the exchange of knowledge, fosters understanding of both the potential and the practical hurdles of innovative marine industries, and helps to shape the supportive policy frameworks needed for the UK's blue economy to thrive sustainably.
The discussions were inspiring and reinforced the widespread commitment to ensuring our coastal communities and marine ecosystems have a healthy, prosperous future. SeaGrown is proud to be an active participant in these national conversations, and we look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration to help realise the immense potential of the UK's sustainable seaweed sector.
