Why Don't We Seaweed?

Abstract

This thesis explores the potential of seaweed cultivation as a nature-based solution (NbS) for achieving sustainability goals in the Port of Rotterdam. By integrating the ecosystem services framework and the Building with Nature (BwN) concept, the study investigates the enabling and constraining factors for implementing seaweed farming in an industrial port context. The Port of Rotterdam, Europe's largest port, is striving to become climate-neutral by 2050, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, despite its ongoing sustainability initiatives, the port has yet to incorporate NbS into its strategy.

Through a combination of literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts, this research identifies the potential benefits of seaweed cultivation through ecosystem services, focusing on provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services. The findings suggest that seaweed cultivation could contribute significantly to the port’s environmental and economic objectives by providing ecosystem services and supporting the port's transition towards a circular and sustainable economy. However, some challenges need to be addressed before implementing seaweed cultivation, such as regulatory and policy barriers, spatial constraints, and stakeholder conflicts.

The findings suggest that seaweed cultivation in the Port of Rotterdam should primarily be pursued for research purposes at this stage. Stakeholders should be encouraged to form innovation clusters, which could serve as the starting point for integrating seaweed cultivation into the port’s sustainability strategy and achieving broader SDGs. As knowledge and expertise in seaweed cultivation grow, these innovation clusters could help establish the necessary permits and frameworks and potentially identify a test site. By sharing knowledge on seaweed cultivation practices, the Port of Rotterdam can enhance its global position as a leader in sustainable port development.

The study concludes with recommendations for integrating seaweed cultivation into the Port of Rotterdam’s sustainability vision, highlighting the importance of collaboration between industry, government, and academia to overcome existing barriers and maximize the ecological and economic potential of seaweed as a sustainable resource.