Aberdeenshire Council
This Coastal Industries Diversification Study was undertaken in order to determine whether seaweed cultivation was a viable and acceptable proposition for the North Aberdeenshire Coast. Through investigation, consultation and analysis we produced and presented a final report and formed a steering group to take the idea forward.
It all starts with an idea
Northern Light were responsible for undertaking a package of feasibility and engagement work culminating in a final report and presentation to invited attendees, determining whether the establishment of seaweed cultivation in the Aberdeenshire coast is viable.
Project
Coastal Industries Diversification Study – Seaweed
Year Complete
December 2021
Client
Aberdeenshire Council
Year Start
April 2021
Scope of Works
Work packages were carried out by desk-based research and consultation with a number of sectors/ avenues of business. Initially work was undertaken to identify 3 potential sites locations. In order to successfully do this – limitations/ challenges, criteria and parameters for what would make a suitable site was outlined. From these recommendations based on research and engagement with local users, 3 site locations were outlined.
Through research and investigation identification of equipment and facilities required was outlined.
With recommendations for site lay outs were given based on the environmental conditions, wave height etc. A clear guidance for operators was also created outlining for all potential farmers the licensing and consenting process with timescales and requirements of applications identified. Potential farmers were identified as fishermen within the area who may like to diversify. A current infrastructure assessment was compiled looking at harbour access, safe winter working conditions and logistics. Transport and logistics was identified as a key consideration as the seaweed would need to be processed soon after cultivation.
Project timescales from commencement of site licensing application to growth cycles and cultivation was clearly outlined - using a Gantt chart. Possible routes to market, were investigated in detail. In order to identify if seaweed cultivation is a viable proposition for the area, all potential end markets were investigated, and engagement was carried out with a representative for various sectors/ academic institutions and potential users themselves. Through this we calculated the interest in seaweed to be used by the companies identified, this was then used to form recommendations for the project going forward.
Cost/benefit analysis was carried out detailing the potential returns for seaweed cultivation in the North East using data derived from the earlier sections. Direct and indirect costs associated with construction, opportunity costs associated with using assets for alternative uses, intangible costs and their impact on the community and potential risks to the project such as regulatory risk, competition and environmental impacts were compiled and laid out using quantitative and qualitative analysis within the final report.
As part of the report and presentation we also identified a number of case studies outlining some of the current operations ongoing in Scotland. Following on from identification of routes to market we further engaged and developed this by identifying local businesses whose work may currently align with that of seaweed cultivation such as primary processors and drying facilities.
Following the final presentation, we undertook further consultation with stakeholder attendees on the social license of seaweed cultivation in the area. Through our initial engagement we realised there was keen interested to find out more about the opportunities available through seaweed. We believe this will be a successful way to gauge opinion on the project. We left sufficient time within the project scope to analyse and write up the results for inclusion in the final report and recommendations.
The project had a wide scope of works, considering all elements of the viability of seaweed cultivation in the area. Engagement played a key role in developing this, with many contacts made within the fishing industry in the North East, that will be of great use within this project. Regular meetings and correspondence with Aberdeenshire Council team members ensured that the project was on track with consistent input from the team via milestone meetings throughout.