© SISA
This year’s theme is “Building a Connected Seaweed Sector: cooperation and collaboration, turning the tides of innovation”. The two-day conference will be the UK's largest gathering of seaweed farmers, processors, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. It features a series of sessions, panels, and pitches designed to promote collaboration across the sector.
The programme includes keynote addresses from prominent industry figures:
- A ministerial address from the Cabinet Secretary
- A keynote talk from Melanie Siggs, director of the Global Seafood Alliance and advisor to the Iceland Ocean Cluster
- A keynote talk from Susan Løvstad Holdt, vice president of the International Seaweed Association and associate professor at DTU National Food Institute.
In a move to encourage innovation, the SSIA is launching an innovation competition. Selected finalists will have the opportunity to pitch for a maximum of £17,000 for their project, with sponsorship from the Mustardseed Trust. The winning innovation is expected to help the Scottish seaweed sector grow.
Rhianna Rees, chief executive officer of the SSIA, emphasised the importance of collaboration.
“We know that the seaweed industry doesn't grow in isolation, it thrives on collaboration. This year’s programme reflects that spirit of working together, learning from others, and building something greater than the sum of its parts,” she said in a press release.
The conference will begin with a Welcome Reception at the Oban Distillery, providing with an opportunity to network. On the morning of the 13 November, Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA) will host a networking breakfast, sponsored by HIE. The breakfast will feature a panel with women in leadership roles within the seaweed and aquaculture sectors.
The SSIA acknowledges the support of this year’s conference sponsors: Crown Estate Scotland, Kilchoan Melfort Trust, WWF-UK, SAMS Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC). Their ongoing commitment to the sector make this gathering possible.
For more information and to register, visit the SISA website.
