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Assessing the co-location potential of seaweed aquaculture and offshore wind farms in UK waters using habitat suitability models

Lookup NU author(s): Ethan Clark, Professor Pip MooreORCiD, Professor Clare FitzsimmonsORCiD

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Abstract

© 2026. As the UK offshore wind industry continues to expand, marine space is becoming increasingly constrained. At the same time, the emerging seaweed aquaculture sector in the UK provides valuable ecosystem services, including sustainable products. Offshore wind farm (OWF) structures create opportunities for co-location with aquaculture. This study assesses the suitability of seaweed aquaculture within the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), identifying optimal OWF locations for cultivation. 6 environmental drivers were identified as influencing seaweed aquaculture success; light, temperature, salinity, nutrients, current velocity and wave height. Using two different models (discrete suitability and continuous fuzzy logic), habitat suitability for five seaweed species (Laminaria digitata, Saccharina latissima, Saccorhiza polyschides, Alaria esculenta, and Palmaria palmata) were determined. The results indicate higher suitability for all species within OWFs located in cooler waters with low sedimentation, higher photosynthetically active radiation and nutrients, and moderate water movement—conditions most present in northern regions, particularly around Scotland. Conversely, lower suitability was observed in south-eastern waters around The Wash and Southern North Sea. These results suggest, based on habitat suitability, there is significant scope to reduce spatial squeeze by co-locating seaweed aquaculture with OWFs. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, offshore wind operators, and seaweed farmers, aiding in risk reduction and supporting the sustainable expansion of seaweed cultivation within UK OWFs.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Clark E, Moore PJ, Forster RM, Burton H, Fitzsimmons C

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Aquaculture

Year: 2026

Volume: 625

Print publication date: 15/10/2026

Online publication date: 01/06/2026

Acceptance date: 29/05/2026

ISSN (print): 0044-8486

ISSN (electronic): 1873-5622

Publisher: Elsevier BV

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2026.744257

DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2026.744257

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