A $5 million pilot project, backed by the New Zealand government, aims to establish a commercial seaweed farming industry in the country. The project, which will be based in the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Plenty, will include hatchery production, on-water farming, seaweed processing, and training programs for farmers. The University of Waikato will lead the research, and the project is expected to provide environmental benefits such as increased marine biodiversity and improved water quality. It could also lead to the creation of new jobs in coastal communities and contribute to the government's goal of growing the aquaculture industry to $3 billion by 2035.