The UK Seaweed Conference: 18 - 19 November, Oban, Scotland

The UK Seaweed Conference

18 – 19 November 2026

Oban, Scotland

Seaweed Scotland and UK Seaweed Network Conference learns from the past to drive the industry forward

Seaweed Scotland (formerly the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA)) is delighted to announce the return of its annual conference, taking place once again in Oban on the 18^th and 19^th November 2026. This year, it is being co-organised by the UK Seaweed Network. The theme this year is “History, Culture and Development”, focusing on the historical relationship the sector has with seaweed and within the wider landscape, as well as the cultural significance and, crucially, current development of the sector. The conference will see two full days of sessions, panels, and pitches and will also feature workshops for the first time. The annual conference is the UK’s biggest gathering of seaweed farmers, processors, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.

The programme this year includes:

Keynote speeches from Prannie Rhatigan, Founder of the Irish Seaweed Kitchen, and Jean-Pierre Brien, Vice-President – Resource Management, Acadian
Discussions on the history and culture of seaweed in the UK
Sessions on developing the current industry, including fermentation, heavy metals and biomaterials scaling
Interactive workshops including seaweed inks and tastings

Seaweed Scotland’s innovation competition will be run again, following last year’s success. Selected finalists will have the opportunity to pitch for a maximum of £17,000 for their project. Sponsored by the MustardSeed Trust, the competition focused on projects that promote sustainability, ocean health, nutritious food, and innovative ideas that will add demonstrable value to the Scottish seaweed sector.

“There is a long and rich heritage of the Seaweed sector in Scotland” said Sarah Evans, CEO (Maternity Cover) of Seaweed Scotland. “This year we wanted the conference to acknowledge and learn from the historic impact and cultural significance of seaweed in Scotland and use this to understand the current development and drivers within the industry”.

Sophie Wood, Programme Manager of the UK Seaweed Network, added “The conference provides an important opportunity for the UK seaweed industry to come together, share knowledge and collaborate across all four devolved nations. We want to celebrate the longstanding relationship with seaweed throughout the UK while looking ahead to the exciting opportunities for its future development”.

The conference will once more be kicked off with a Welcome Reception at the Oban Distillery, offering delegates the chance to reconnect over a dram and set the tone for two days of learning, discussion, and new ideas. Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA) will also host a networking breakfast, sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), on the morning of the 19^th, that all delegates are welcome to attend.

Seaweed Scotland and the UK Seaweed Network gratefully acknowledges the support of this year’s conference sponsors: WWF-UK, Crown Estate Scotland, Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the support of whom helps make this gathering possible.

For more information and to register, visit: Conference 2026 | Ssia