Offshore Multi-Use Setting: Introducing Integrative Assessment Modelling to Alleviate Uncertainty of Developing Seaweed Aquaculture Inside Wind Farms

Abstract

The offshore multi-use setting is a concept that reduces spatial competition in the marine economy. Seaweed Aquaculture inside Wind Farms has been suggested as a multi-use setting design, however, the uncertainty surrounding impacts associated with multi-use setting activities is a key barrier to the development of the concept. To begin alleviating uncertainty on the Seaweed Aquaculture-Wind Farm system, a systematic literature review was performed to identify the potential negative consequences of developing seaweed aquaculture inside of Wind Farms. Findings suggest negative consequences may result across multiple objectives. The study findings were used to construct cognitive models that are necessary to facilitate further integrative assessment modelling on social and ecological impacts of integrating seaweed aquaculture and wind farms. The interdisciplinary frameworks and research strategy proposed by this study is the first attempt to formalise holistic sustainability assessment and novel management of an emerging bioeconomic innovation being pursued in Europe.

Keywords: Offshore Multi-Use Setting, Seaweed Aquaculture, Sustainability, Bioeconomy, Integrative Assessment