Navigating Permit and Licensing for Seaweed Operations in

Western Australia

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

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

The Seaweed Industry in Western 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

Western Australia’s seaweed industry is in the early stages of development, with growing interest from both industry and researchers. To support this emerging sector, a policy framework has been introduced that guides licensing, research exemptions, and environmental management. The focus is on enabling early trials and data collection to better understand local species and growing conditions.

The policy takes a considered approach—supporting industry development while ensuring environmental risks are well managed. Proponents must demonstrate how their activities align with best practice and minimise ecological impact, particularly in sensitive areas such as the Abrolhos Islands. This framework lays the foundation for a sustainable and informed seaweed aquaculture industry in Western Australia.

WA is actively developing its seaweed aquaculture industry with more than 650 hectares of aquaculture lease areas

Key species

Asparagopsis taxiformis
Ecklonia radiata (Golden Kelp)
Caulerpa spp.

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 Western 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 Western 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 Western Australia

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

A license is required for wild harvest of seaweed from its natural environment (such as beaches, rocky shorelines, or other coastal areas).

This includes the collection of broodstock (seedstock) for aquaculture.
Licences are typically issued on a case-by-case basis
The Marine Parks and Reserves Authority or DPIRD may be involved in issuing consent to harvest, especially in cases where the harvesting activities could impact marine biodiversity or require site-specific assessments.

Trials / New Product Development

Exemptions are granted for small-scale, experimental projects that are often shorter-term and may be issued for the purpose of testing the growth potential of new species or farming methods.

Information about obtaining a commercial fishing licence in Western Australia

Contact information

Western Australian Fishing Industry Council
Level 1, Unit 5a, 166 Stirling Highway, Nedlands WA 6009
P: 08 9432 7777
E: admin@wafic.org.au

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

Determine the Nature of Your Activity
- Research and Development (R&D) Trials: If you’re conducting small-scale trials to assess the viability of seaweed cultivation, you may apply for a Research and Development Exemption. This allows for limited collection and cultivation under specified conditions.
- Commercial Production: For full-scale commercial operations, you’ll need to obtain both an aquaculture licence and, if operating in public waters, an aquaculture lease.
Understand the Licensing Requirements
- Aquaculture Licence: This licence authorises the farming of seaweed at a specific site and is mandatory for any commercial aquaculture activity.
- Aquaculture Lease: If your operation is in public waters, a lease provides the legal right to use a designated area for aquaculture purposes. Note that a lease does not replace the need for an aquaculture licence.
Prepare Your Application
- Management and Environmental Monitoring Plan (MEMP): A comprehensive MEMP is required, detailing species to be farmed, farming methods, environmental monitoring strategies, and biosecurity measures.
- Site Selection and Species Justification: Provide evidence that the chosen site is suitable for seaweed farming and that the species selected are appropriate for the local environment.
Submit Your Application to DPIRD
- Applications for licences and leases should be submitted to DPIRD, accompanied by all required documentation, including the MEMP.
- For R&D exemptions, ensure your proposal includes collaboration with a recognised research institution or demonstrates adequate in-house research capabilities.
Compliance and Reporting
- Once licensed, you must adhere to all conditions set by DPIRD, including regular reporting on farming activities, environmental monitoring results, and any incidents affecting the operation.
- DPIRD may require additional information to inform future policy development and ensure sustainable aquaculture practices.

For detailed information on the requirements for establishing and operating a seaweed business in Western Australia

Contact information

DPIRD Aquaculture Management Directorate
Gordon Stephenson House, 140 William Street, Perth WA 6000
Locked Bag 4, Bentley Delivery Centre, WA 6983
Phone: 1300 374 731 (1300 DPIRD1)
All enquiries should be directed to aquaculture@dpird.wa.gov.au

Industry Association
Aquaculture Council of Western Australia
5A/166 Stirling Highway, Nedlands WA 6009
P: 0447 928 457 | E: ceo@aquaculturecouncilwa.com

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

Aquaculture Development Plan for Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publication No. 143 Aquaculture of Seaweed in Western Australia

Aquaculture of Seaweed in Western Australia report 2022

Aquaculture development plan

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.

The Government of Western Australia

Australian Government

What is recreational harvesting and do I need a licence?

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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