— Your Go to Stop for Everything Australian Seaweed

Welcome to the Permit Portal

Search the permit portal by State or Territory

Whether you’re looking for regulations, application forms, or the right contacts, this portal is your starting point to understanding what’s required and how to access the right information quickly and easily.

The rules and regulations for seaweed production vary by state and territory. You can search by location to access information specific to the place where you are interested in information and opportunities.

Australian seaweed production and connected industries could contribute up to A$4.6 billion to Australia’s economy by 2050.

DELOITTE AUSTRALIA, 2024

Snapshot of the Australian Regulatory landscape for Seaweed primary production

All States and Territories shown have to some degree the following regarding marine-based seaweed aquaculture:

  • Conducted research and trial projects
  • Provided pilot and/or research licenses
  • Accounted for seaweed in aquaculture policy

This information is from the Australian Seaweed Industry Sector Development & Economic Impact Report published by Deloitte Australia, 2025.

WA – Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentAquaculture Development Zones – including seaweed in south and south-west regions.NT - Department of Industry Tourism and TradeAlthough no seaweed specific policy or zoning, existing legislation enables research and commercial aquaculture.QLD - Department of Primary Industries Development applications are required for both research and commercial licenses. There are some zoned areas for seaweed aquaculture.NSW - Department of Primary Industriesand Regional DevelopmentNo zoned or designated marine areas for aquaculture, proponents need to satisfy state significant development requirements.VIC - Victorian Fisheries AuthorityLicenses for seaweed aquaculture are not available however short-term, trial permits for native seaweed culture are. Victorian Seaweed Management arrangements are currently under review.TAS – Department of NaturalResources and EnvironmentSeaweed aquaculture can be authorised within existing legislation, which outlines requirements, zones and allocated species for each area of interest.SA - Department of PrimaryIndustries and RegionsMacroalgae Management Areas (MMAs) – zoned for commercial seaweed farming in marine waters.Commonwealth Waters joint withTasmanian GovernmentR&D site regenerative Aquaculture (not Seaweed but future options potential).

Resources for Australian Seaweed Businesses

The report emphasises the significant role of governance in shaping Australia’s seaweed aquaculture industry. It reviews the policies and regulations across Australian states, highlighting challenges such as inconsistent frameworks, regulatory complexity, and gaps in knowledge about native seaweed species. Recommendations focus on creating a unified national strategy, identifying aquaculture zones, simplifying research trial approvals, and establishing a national hatchery network. The overarching goal is to ensure sustainable growth while supporting Australia’s environmental and economic objectives

The report explores the financial requirements to scale up Asparagopsis production to meet the Australian feedlot industry’s demand for methane reduction. Asparagopsis, a red seaweed, reduces methane emissions in cattle by up to 98% when included in feed, making it pivotal for achieving Australia’s Carbon Neutral 2030 target. However, commercial production is still in its infancy, with estimated capital needs ranging from $132 million to $1,062 million depending on adoption and production scale. The report underscores challenges like yield variability, infrastructure costs, and market competition.

The Marine Seaweed Aquaculture Risk Assessment explores environmental and social risks associated with large-scale marine seaweed farming in Australia. It uses the National Ecologically Sustainable Development Framework to evaluate a hypothetical 200-hectare farm cultivating native species. The study emphasizes responsible site selection, biosecurity, and management practices to minimize environmental impacts and meet regulatory expectations. It highlights seaweed farming’s potential to address sustainable development goals through nutrient mitigation, job creation, and methane reduction in livestock.

Quick Links to Commonwealth Legislation Information

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

Search the permit portal by State or Territory