Seaweed production in Spain grows 388%

The cultivation of macroalgae in Spain represents less than 0.002% of total aquaculture, a pyrrhic quantity that leaves a wide margin of growth for a market that, according to some experts, is slowed down by certain administrative complexities to start the activity. The percentage has been calculated based on the latest report from the Spanish Aquaculture Business Association (Apromar), which estimates that the aquaculture harvest in the country exceeds 327,000 tons, of which only 5 come from the cultivation of macroalgae (commonly identified as seaweed, unlike microalgae, which are microscopic organisms). Javier Cremades, professor of Botany at the University of A Coruña, attributes the situation to a "lack of tradition and experience" with this crop, as well as bureaucratic difficulties. "We are far behind in this issue. There is no tradition in the cultivation or consumption of algae. Labor is scarce and there is a lot of bureaucracy to obtain concessions. A company that wants ...