Ireland’s National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF), adopted in May 2021 brings together all marine-based human activities for the first time, outlining the Government’s vision, objectives, and marine planning policies for each marine activity. All public bodies and consenting authorities are required to have regard for the NMPF in exercise of their statutory functions. This is intended to ensure consistency, precautionary and evidence-based decision making across all Departments and agencies.
The NMPF sets out 3 key objectives in relations to seaweed harvesting which are to:
(i) support the sustainable harvesting of seaweed having regard to the important economic and social contribution it makes to coastal communities;
(ii) develop and maintain a fit for purpose regulatory framework that supports sustainable harvesting, ensures that key seaweed species which support multiple vital ecosystems are safeguarded, and respects existing formal and informal rights to harvest; and
(iii) support ongoing research to build on available data.
A key research project, led by the Marine Institute, entitled ‘A Socio-Economic Study of Seaweed Harvesting in Ireland’, provides baseline socio-economic information regarding seaweed harvesting activity and product usage in Ireland. The report is available at the following link:
emff.marine.ie/sites/default/files/bluegrowth/PDFs/Socioeconomic%20Study%20of%20Seaweed%20Harvesting%20in%20Ireland.pdf
The report also sets out a number of recommendations for consideration by industry and policy makers, including the development of a sustainable seaweed harvesting policy. Furthermore, pillar four of the Bioeconomy Action Plan 2023-2025 which was prepared jointly by the Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, seeks to develop regenerative, transformative bioeconomy demonstration initiatives relating to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture that supports a food and biobased system that is good for people, farmers, nature, and business.
In this context, the development of a seaweed policy, led by the most appropriate Government Department, would require significant inter-Departmental engagement and stakeholder consultation given the range of factors (social, economic and environmental) that would need to be considered.
With regard to the foreshore license application process, the enactment of the Maritime Area Planning Act, 2021 initiated the transition to a Maritime Regulatory Regime overseen by the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). This has led to the gradual phasing out of operations under the Foreshore Act of 1933 (as amended), with new foreshore applications no longer accepted since the MARA’s establishment. Foreshore licence application FS006108 has been withdrawn from the Foreshore process and is no longer being progressed by my Department.
Since the establishment of MARA, applicants may apply to the Regulator for a licence to harvest seaweed, in accordance with Schedule 7 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, which provides for Maritime Usages that may be undertaken pursuant to the granting of a Licence. MARA shall, before granting a licence, have regard to any environmental impacts arising and any Government policies that may affect or relate to the functions of MARA.
