Exploring the Emerging Rimurimu-Seaweed Sector in Aotearoa New Zealand: Highlights from the Recent GreenWave and Greenwave Aotearoa Webinar
In late October, GreenWave US and Greenwave Aotearoa co-hosted an insightful webinar exploring the emerging rimurimu-seaweed sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. This event showcased significant advancements in hatchery and farm production of local seaweed species like Ecklonia radiata, addressing both the opportunities and challenges of moving beyond pilot-scale production.
The session was co-led by Kendall Barbery from GreenWave, a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to supporting regenerative ocean farmers, and Rebecca Barclay-Cameron of Greenwave Aotearoa.
Key Insights and Contributions from Featured Speakers
The webinar gathered experts in marine science, aquaculture, and commercial fishing, each bringing unique perspectives on scaling seaweed farming in New Zealand:
~ Rebecca Barclay-Cameron - Senior Project Manager at Greenwave Aotearoa, shared sector-wide strategies and insights on scaling regenerative ocean farming.
~ Cameron Inskeep - Projects Strategy Lead at Greenwave Aotearoa, discussed strategic developments in seaweed sector projects.
~ Laurie Beamish - Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Commercial Fisherman and Chief Executive of Ngāi Tai Maraetai, highlighted the cultural and community implications of seaweed farming.
~ Dr Rebecca Lawton - Senior Lecturer in Marine Science and Aquaculture at the University of Waikato, discussed advancements in research and aquaculture methodologies.
~ Lucas Evans - CEO of Premium Seas and collaborator on Greenwave Aotearoa’s pilot project, provided insights from the industry side.
~ Ryan Marchington - Aquaculture Operations Lead at Greenwave Aotearoa, shared operational learnings from Greenwave Aotearoa’s pilot projects.
Engaging Q&A and Collaborative Insights
Participants actively engaged in a facilitated Q&A session, sharing insights and asking questions that underscored the enthusiasm and interest in the sector. The discussion highlighted the sector’s growth potential and sparked ideas for future collaborations in regenerative ocean farming.
This webinar was an invaluable session for those invested in the future of New Zealand’s seaweed industry, underscoring its potential for ecological restoration and sustainable economic development. The conversation strengthened connections within the industry and set the stage for ongoing innovation in regenerative ocean farming across Aotearoa.
Watch our webinar here.