Navigating Permit and Licensing for Seaweed Operations in

Northern Territory

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

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

The Seaweed Industry in Northern Territory

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

The seaweed industry in the Northern Territory (NT) is in the early stages of development. There are no active commercial seaweed farming operations or wild harvest activities.

The region’s large coastline and suitable tropical waters provide opportunities for future industry growth. However, NT’s focus is currently on trialling and developing seaweed aquaculture.

The seaweed industry in the NT is in the early stages of development, without active commercial seaweed farming operations or wild harvest activities

Key species

Currently unknown

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 Northern Territory

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 Northern Territory

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 Northern Territory

Information about licences and permits for commercial seaweed harvesting in the NT

As of 1 January 2025, no wild harvest permits or licenses have been issued.

Things to consider if you would like to apply include:

Do you have access to area – Northern Land Council approval
A permit to access First Nation (aboriginal) land including waters

Wild Seedstock

Forms part of the aquaculture license and is referred to ‘broodstock collection’.

Beach cast

Must have a permit or licence to collect and use seaweed for commercial purposes.

To find out more information about marine commercial fishing and the special licenses that may be required.

Contact information

NT Fisheries  – Licensing only
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
33 Vaughan Street
Berrimah NT 0828
FisheriesLicensing@nt.gov.au
(08) 89992370

Wild Seaweed (generic)
fisheries@nt.gov.au
(08) 89992144

Information about licences and permits for commercial seaweed aquaculture in the NT

As at 1 January 2025, no aquaculture permits or licences have been issued in the NT. Before beginning your application, discuss your proposal with NT Fisheries.

A commercial aquaculture licence applies only to large-scale facilities with a total water volume greater than 10,000 litres and the steps to begin your application are as follows:

Identify the Site and Secure Rights
- Determine your proposed site and confirm you have the legal right to use it.
- Gather any necessary approvals from local or other relevant authorities.
Obtain Other Required Approvals 
- Ensure that all additional approvals are in place before proceeding with your licence application.
Prepare a Notice of Intent (NOI) 
- Complete the NT Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) Impact Assessment.
- Obtain a certificate from the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) to confirm that your project will not impact Aboriginal sacred sites.
Submit Your Licence Application 
- Complete the licence application form and submit it along with your NOI and the applicable licence fee.
Special Permit (Section 13) 
- If your project involves the import or movement of seaweed (typically seedstock), review Section 13 for guidelines.
- Special permits under Section 13 allow allowable import or movement for endemic and native NT species.
  Note: Aquaculture infrastructure can be vulnerable to crocodile damage, so this risk must be managed appropriately.
Review and Environmental Assessment 
- NT Fisheries will forward your application and EPA self-assessment to the NT EPA for comment.
- Your submission must include detailed environmental and biosecurity management plans to demonstrate that your farming activities are sustainable and pose minimal ecological risks.

Development and Trial Operations

Development and trials allow individuals or businesses to conduct pilot operations for aquaculture or wild harvest to assess feasibility, environmental impacts, or commercial potential. Approvals, licences and permits are still required. A Section 17 permit is a special permit which can be used for R&D to investigate the commercialisation of a seaweed species in NT

The NT Fisheries provides more information about applying for a commercial aquaculture licence and other relevant approvals you may need to start your aquaculture farm.

Contact information

NT Fisheries  – Licensing only
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
33 Vaughan Street
Berrimah NT 0828
FisheriesLicensing@nt.gov.au
(08) 89992370

Aquaculture Seaweed
DarwinAquacultureCentre.DAF@nt.gov.au
(08) 89244260

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.

Seaweed Aquaculture Governance in Australia January 2023

NT Agribusiness Strategy 2030

NT Agribusiness and Aquaculture Strategy 2030 (under review)

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.

Northern Territory Government

Australian Government

What is recreational harvesting and do I need a licence?

Currently no limits or requirements are in place. As soon as the product is traded, swapped, sold, and/or commercialised a licence is required.

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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