Focus of Work: There is growing global interest in the potential for seaweed to reduce enteric methane emissions from ruminants and improve animal health and productivity when included as a component of livestock feed. Emerging research demonstrates that suppression of methane emissions (burps) from livestock has the potential to drastically reduce global production of this greenhouse gas, which is about 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Key challenges remain in integrating and scaling up seaweed in the livestock feed supply chain. Additionally, proponents of seaweed farming in U.S. coastal areas continue to face public resistance to this industry developing in the commons.
Our Approach: For several years Seatone has supported the World Wildlife Fund, the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, and other seaweed partners in various capacities. Seatone has designed, facilitated and documented large stakeholder workshops (75-125 people), provided facilitation training to WWF staff, and supported interactive sessions where nutritionists, veterinarians and feed and additive manufacturers help to inform the research. The aim of this work is to strengthen research on seaweed as an alternative livestock feed, build capacity for product development and supply chain integration, and enhance public understanding and support for seaweed farming in U.S. coastal waters.
Key Outcomes: Each WWF-funded workshop or interactive science forum brought together researchers, industry, non-governmental organizations and other interested parties to identify research needs and discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating and then scaling up the use of seaweed as a widely consumed livestock feed product. These collaborative efforts have resulted in broad-based recommendations on the pathway ahead for scientific research of seaweed, identification of potential outcomes and what this means for future research, and guidance on communication, outreach and knowledge sharing that will increase the social license for seaweed farming the U.S.
Click the links below or report covers to access different Seatone-developed products:
- The Potential for Seaweed as Livestock Feed: 2020 Workshop Series Outcomes
- WWF Seaweed Solution Project: 2022 Social License to Operate Workshop Report
- Algae and Livestock Feed: The Coast to Cow to Consumer Project – Engaging Nutritionists, Veterinarians, and Feed and Additive Manufacturers to Inform Future Research (2024)
