Navigating Permit and Licensing for Seaweed Operations in

South Australia

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The main government department(s) that provides guidance and information on establishing and operating a seaweed business in South Australia:

Department of Primary Industries and Regions

The Seaweed Industry in South Australia

COLLECTING SEAWEED FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES?

Recreational seaweed harvesting is for personal use, not for commercial sale, like gardening, crafts, or small-scale consumption. If you are interested in understanding about licensing and permits for these activities

South Australia (SA) is home to approximately 3000 different seaweed species, with the seaweed in the early stages of development. It is regulated under the Aquaculture Act 2001 and the Fisheries Management Act 2007 and associated regulations and policies.

Seaweed aquaculture is a relatively new sector using both land-based and marine based aquaculture licences to grow seaweed species. For example, marine longlines are being used to collect seaweed through natural accumulation (or biofouling).

The Commercial Wild Harvest seaweed industry is also emerging, whereby seaweed is harvested from the wild (beach cast material or direct from ocean) with collection regulated through fishery permits.

SA is home to approximately 3000 different seaweed species, with seaweed aquaculture in the early stages of development

Key species

Asparagopsis spp. (ASPARAGOPSIS) – A, N
Ecklonia radiata (Golden Kelp) – N, Wild broodstock, A
Ulva spp. (SEA LETTUCES) – N, Wild broodstock, A
Biofouling species: e.g. Mychodea acicularis, Holotricha spp., Botryocladia spp.

Key: N = Native, A = Aquaculture

The Australian Aquatic Plant Names Standard (AS 5301) defines standard common names for seaweeds used commercially in Australia. This best-practice guide is foundational to the industry, facilitating effective communication and contributing to the sustainable management and production of these resources in addition to the health and safety of consumers.

Types of Seaweed Harvesting in South Australia

COMMERCIAL SEAWEED WILD HARVEST & AQUACULTURE

Click here for information about licensing and permits for commercial seaweed operations

Recreational Seaweed COLLECTION

Click here for information about licensing and permits for recreational seaweed collection

Commercial Seaweed Harvesting in South Australia

To make things easier, we’ve summarised the main steps and agencies involved to help guide you through the requirements of establishing a seaweed enterprise in South Australia

Information about licences and permits for commercial seaweed harvesting in South Australia

Before You Apply

Verify that you have secure access to the harvest area and confirm there are no native title issues.
Prepare a strong case study, knowing that the quantity you’re allowed to harvest may be restricted.
Plan to submit your application via the exploratory fishery permit process if you are entering a new harvest area.

Beach-Cast Marine Algae Harvesting 

The Beach-Cast Marine Algae Fishery (BCMAF) is governed under the Fisheries Management Act 2007. This fishery covers the collection of kelp, other detached marine algae, seagrasses, animal carcasses, and organic matter washed ashore.
For beach-cast harvesting, you will need either a miscellaneous fishery licence or an exploratory fishery permit. Over time, this activity could transition to a formally recognised fishery licence.

Wild Broodstock and/or Seedstock Collection 

To collect wild seaweed specifically for broodstock or seedstock (the material used to start aquaculture operations), you must obtain a dedicated permit.
This application will include an Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) risk assessment and, if approved, come with strict conditions.
You must already hold an aquaculture licence to be eligible for this permit. Also, be sure to choose the correct option between broodstock and seedstock collection, as defined in the Fisheries Management (Miscellaneous Broodstock and Seedstock Fishery) Regulations 2013.

Note: There is a difference between broodstock and seedstock collection. This is defined within the Fisheries Management (Miscellaneous Broodstock and Seedstock Fishery) Regulations 2013. Ensure you choose the right one for your purposes.

Note: Pest seaweeds cannot be commercially produced or harvested.

Movement (translocation) of seaweed 

Moving or importing seaweed can introduce biosecurity risks (such as pests, disease, or genetic issues). To manage these risks, PIRSA has established specific macroalgae management areas.
These management areas ensure that any seedstock or broodstock collected originates from the same designated area as where your licensed activity is located (or the discharge point for land-based operations).
If your business involves movement of seaweed, this will be detailed as a condition on your licence or permit.

Note: A new Biosecurity Bill is in progress, which will provide additional guidelines on macroalgae translocation and stock requirements. Keep updated on these developments as they may affect your business operations.

Contact information

PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture
pirsa.aquaculture@sa.gov.au
(08) 8207 5332
GPO Box 1625, Adelaide S.A. 5001.

Information about licences and permits for commercial seaweed aquaculture in South Australia

Determine Your Operation Type 
- Identify if your seaweed farm will be marine-based or land-based.
- Confirm the species you plan to farm and the farming methods you will use.
Obtain an Aquaculture Licence 
- An Aquaculture Licence is mandatory for any seaweed farming activity.
- The licence outlines the species, farming methods, and operational conditions.
- To apply, you must carry out an environmental assessment through PIRSA, which also involves referral to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
Apply for an Aquaculture Lease (For Marine Farms)
If you plan to operate in state waters, you will need an aquaculture lease in addition to the licence. This lease grants exclusive access to a designated marine area and sets performance criteria for development and site use. Lease types include:
- Pilot Lease: For trial projects or operations outside designated zones; temporary and renewable for up to five years.
- Production Lease: For full-scale commercial farming; typically starts with an initial 1-2 year term to test viability, then can extend up to 30 years upon meeting performance criteria.
- Research Lease: For experimental or development activities; short-term with no commercial sale allowed.
Verify Designated Aquaculture Zones 
- South Australia has specific aquaculture zones that simplify the approval process.
- Confirm that your proposed site falls within one of these zones.
- Be aware that some zones may require a public call to release water access as part of your lease application.
Prepare and Submit Your Application 
- Your licence and lease applications will be assessed under the Aquaculture Act 2001, Aquaculture Regulations 2016, relevant legislation, and PIRSA’s internal procedures.
- PIRSA coordinates the entire assessment, consultation, and approval process as a one-stop-shop, working with other agencies and key stakeholders.
Comply with Biosecurity Requirements 
- Ensure that you are not planning to commercially produce or harvest pest seaweeds, as these are not allowed.
- If your business involves moving or importing seaweed, your application will include conditions that require stock (seedstock or broodstock) to originate from the same designated macroalgae management area to mitigate biosecurity risks.

Macroalgae management areas

PIRSA have developed specified macroalgae management areas to manage the unknown seaweed biosecurity (pest and disease) and genetic risks associated with stock movement. The management areas ensure seaweed seedstock or broodstock collection for aquaculture originates from the same macroalgae management area as the licensed area or discharge point for land-based aquaculture sites.

View a map of the management areas and location descriptions for each management area:

Map of the Macroalgae management areas (PDF)

Location descriptions of macroalgae management areas (PDF )

Contact information

PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture
pirsa.aquaculture@sa.gov.au
(08) 8207 5332
GPO Box 1625, Adelaide S.A. 5001.

Some other useful resources

We have included links to some resources that are relevant to this state, but additional publications can be found in Seaweed Central, so please search the Knowledge Hub.

Aquaculture Investment in South Australia

2021-2031 Seafood Growth Strategy for South Australia

SA Seafood Growth Strategy

Policy for the Management of the Beach-cast Marine Fishery

Aquaculture Licence Standard Conditions Policy 2022

Macroalgae Management Areas Descriptions

Zoning In: South Australian Aquaculture Report 2024

Aquaculture Public Register

Seaweed Aquaculture Governance in Australia Report 2023

This report emphasises the significant role of governance in shaping Australia’s seaweed aquaculture industry.

Quick Links to Key Legislation Information

We have included links to the key legislation for this state, but additional regulations may apply depending on the type of seaweed activities or operations you are undertaking.

Government of South Australia

Australian Government

Government of South Australia

South Australian Government

Government of South Australia

What is recreational harvesting and do I need a licence?

There are specific requirements depending on the activity for example you cannot take Benthic marine organisms (seaweed) in water < 2 m in an area of a rock reef. Check with your local council if there are any other requirements.

Seaweed found on beaches is not considered food-safe as it is impossible to predict how long the seaweed has been beach-cast or whether it may have come into contact with contaminants.

Look for another state in the permit portal

Find more information to help navigate permitting and licensing for Commercial Seaweed businesses in Australia

New South Wales

Western Australia

Victoria

South Australia

Queensland

Tasmania

Northern Territory

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The information provided on this portal is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. Users are advised to conduct their own research and consult appropriate professionals before making decisions based on this information.

Seaweed Central is supported by funding from the FRDC on behalf of the Australian Government’s Developing Australia’s Seaweed Farming Grant Program.

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