The Sea Grant network has established a National Seaweed Hub to serve as a science-based, non-advocacy resource for the domestic seaweed and seaweed aquaculture industry. This collaboration provides a framework to share information, address challenges, identify needs, and find opportunities in this emerging industry.

The first goal is to establish a baseline evaluation on current needs and challenges for all seaweed stakeholders through a formal needs assessment that will inform the creation of work groups to address identified needs and challenges.

The second goal is to bring seaweed stakeholders from across the country to work together to find a path forward in addressing challenges, finding solutions to needs, and pursuing opportunities for growth. This will be accomplished through participation in the first National Seaweed Symposium and continue in Virtual Work Groups.

Virtual Work Groups will be completely stakeholder-driven and comprised of a diverse group of dedicated individuals from industry, regulatory authorities, processors, culinary professionals, researchers, and others who have committed to tackling solutions to barriers that currently exist with making domestic seaweed aquaculture commercially viable. Guided by trusted Sea Grant Extension professionals, Work Groups will determine the next steps needed to move the emerging domestic seaweed industry forward.

---