Swansea tidal lagoon could host seaweed farm

Swansea’s proposed new tidal lagoon could have greater potential than just electricity generation.

Selwyn’s Penclawdd Seafoods, who specialises in cockle and laverbread production, is looking to develop a seaweed farm within the lagoons sea walls.

“I was looking at ways of revamping the laverbread market and went out to Japan,” Ashley Jones, owner of Selwyn’s, said to the South Wales Evening Post.

“It’s a massive business in Asia and it is the same seaweed we have in Wales.”

If the plan is successful, Welsh seaweed could be distributed on the world market currently dominated by Asia.

The seaweed would be grown on nets in the lagoon and processed at facilities at Penclawdd headquarters, Jones explained.

Tidal lagoon welcomed the initiative by saying: “We are really excited to be developing mari culture opportunities associated with the lagoon.

“We are big fans of Selwyns and look forward to progressing the conversations with them.”

Image: llangollenfoodfestival/flickr