Over 7,000 signatures petition to block large-scale seaweed harvesting off Mayo coast

A growing campaign is calling on the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, to intervene in a proposed large-scale seaweed harvesting plan along Mayo coast, with over 7,000 people signing a petition opposing the application.

The Uplift petition targets an application linked to Acadian Seaplants, a major Canadian corporation which owns Irish seaweed processing company Arramara Teoranta. Campaigners claim the company is seeking permission to harvest 40,000 tonnes of seaweed wrack from extensive coastal areas, including several locations around Ireland's west coast.

According to details referenced in foreshore notices, proposed harvesting zones include Sruwaddacon Bay, Broadhaven Bay, Blacksod Bay, Achill Island, Clew Bay and Killary Harbour, alongside areas in Galway such as Ballynakill, Cleggan to Aghrus Point, Clifden, Mace Head and Galway Bay to Black Head. 

In total, 21 separate harvesting areas are listed as part of the application.

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The scale and geographic spread of the proposal has caused alarm among coastal communities in Mayo and beyond, with residents and environmental advocates warning of potential long-term damage to fragile marine ecosystems.

Campaigners argue that seaweed forests play a crucial role in protecting coastlines from erosion, supporting marine biodiversity, and acting as nursery habitats for fish and shellfish.

They also stress the cultural and historical importance of seaweed to west coast communities, where it has long been part of local heritage, folklore and traditional practices.

The petition has been launched ahead of an anticipated public consultation process, with campaigners aiming to demonstrate strong opposition from communities “up and down the west coast” before any decision is taken.

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One of the key concerns raised is that granting harvesting rights to a large international corporation could leave local communities with little influence over how their coastal environments are managed.

“Handing over the rights to a large corporation would leave communities with no input into how their land and environment was being treated,” the petition states.

Organisers warn that large-scale mechanical harvesting could see coastlines effectively “scraped clean” in pursuit of profit, with environmental damage that may not become fully apparent for years.

Directly addressing the minister, the petition concludes: “This application has been submitted to your department — you have the power to stop this.”

The petition, which now nearly has 7.500 signatures, can be seen here.