In previous editions of the platform, seaweed farming has been mapped in major producing countries across Asia, as well as in Alaska, attracting nearly 30,000 visitors from more than 100 countries since its launch in 2023.
The global seaweed industry is experiencing rapid growth, serving as raw material for sectors such as food, agriculture, industrial applications and nature-based solutions. Many emerging market opportunities in this field will require significant biomass.
Latin America and the Caribbean are endowed with rich coastal ecosystems and diverse seaweed species, offering great potential for cultivation and development. While countries like Chile have a long-standing tradition of seaweed use, mainly through wild harvesting with established infrastructure and expertise, other nations in the region have only recently begun developing dedicated seaweed industries.
"A wealth of activity is occurring across Latin America and the Caribbean that often goes unacknowledged, while most seaweed-related news outside Asia focuses on North America or Europe," explains Karlotta Rieve, project manager at Hatch Blue.
Rieve, who previously led the Seaweed Insights initiative in Asia, and is based in Mexico, is now leading its expansion.
"Visibility, investment, and inclusive growth are hampered by limited access to reliable data on where, how, and by whom seaweed is produced in the region. Through this initiative, we aim to showcase the region's seaweed potential and highlight successful scaling models for seaweed farming beyond Asia," she explains.
Countries and species of focus
The project will cover diverse seaweed farming environments across Latin America and the Caribbean, including both tropical and temperate zones. The countries in focus, based on their seaweed production, are Chile, Brazil, Venezuela, St Lucia, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines. These nations will demonstrate various sector development pathways, ranging from high-value niche nutrition market applications to industrial production for hydrocolloid markets.
Key species that will be covered are the red seaweeds Eucheumatoids and Gracilaria, as well as the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera.
Between July to November 2025, Hatch Blue will conduct site visits and interviews with farmers, buyers, processors, governments and other stakeholder groups across the target countries. The team will gather insights on:
- Farm type and production systems
- Equipment and technology use
- Processing, logistics, and supply chain dynamics
- Farmer’s challenges and wishlist
- Outlook for product development and value addition
The information collected will contribute to a free, open-access digital platform designed to (see diagram below):
Now is a crucial moment for this initiative. With growing global demand for ocean-positive activities and low-carbon value chains, Latin America and the Caribbean are uniquely positioned to expand their seaweed sectors. To fulfill that potential, we need data, recognition, and collaboration.
The project is supported by four main partners: Builders Vision, Mustardseed Trust, The Nest and the Center for Applied Aquaculture Innovation (iAlumbra).
“The Nest supports initiatives that create a more regenerative, nutritious and equitable food system. Seaweed has the potential to create both environmental and social impact at scale, and we are proud to support Hatch’s work in better understanding how we can use seaweed as a tool to help create a more resilient future,” notes Hallie Fox, senior associate.
"At Builders Vision, we invest in regenerative solutions that serve both people and planet. We’re proud to support Hatch’s leadership in advancing seaweed as a tool for ocean health and climate resilience, and in driving equitable, data-driven blue economic growth,” adds Laura Rodriguez, senior program officer for oceans.
“At Mustardseed Trust, we partner with those who are transforming the systems that shape our world, and Hatch Blue’s Seaweed Insights exemplifies that vision. This program is on ocean health, but we recognise that all systems — ecological, economic and social — are interconnected. This initiative brings much-needed visibility to the seaweed sector in Latin and Central America, which holds immense potential for regenerative development. We’re proud to support efforts that empower local communities, promote biodiversity, and contribute to a thriving, interconnected planet,” reflects Petra Cauwels, impact investment and operations manager.
“At the Center for Applied Aquaculture Innovation, we believe in the power of collaborative, science-driven initiatives to unlock sustainable growth across Latin America and the Caribbean. Hatch Blue’s Seaweed Insights project aligns deeply with our mission to advance innovative aquaculture solutions that benefit both communities and ecosystems. We’re proud to support this important work, which brings visibility, data, and opportunity to a sector with tremendous regenerative potential for our region and the world,” notes Alejandro Castillo, senior program officer, iAlumbra.
To learn more, visit www.seaweedinsights.com
For inquiries or partnerships, contact: karlotta@hatch.blue
