Big turnout at Mayo public meeting opposing commercial seaweed harvesting proposal

A large crowd gathered in Brannen’s Pub, Newport, for a public meeting organised by Paul Lawless TD to discuss the proposed commercial seaweed‑harvesting licence for Clew Bay.

The venue was packed to capacity, with standing room only.

Those present included members of local coastal communities, traditional seaweed harvesters, local businesses, and community organisations.

Also in attendance was the CEO and a delegation from BioAtlantis, the company behind the current application to harvest seaweed in Clew Bay.

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Lawless said: “It is absolutely clear that the coastal communities of Mayo are determined to protect both our landscape and their long‑standing harvesting rights.

"What we heard tonight reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding a tradition that has been carried on for generations.”

BioAtlantis has submitted an application for a commercial seaweed‑harvesting licence for Clew Bay.

Details of the application include the proposed harvesting of approximately 11,000 tonnes of seaweed per year, a multi‑year application seeking a 10-year licence and a total application area of more than one 1,600 hectares.

Independent ecological assessments estimate that Mayo has a sustainable harvest level of approximately 16,600 tonnes per year.

If granted, the BioAtlantis licence would account for the vast majority of the county’s entire sustainable yield.

This raises major concerns for the future of traditional harvesting.

Deputy Lawless continued: “We cannot ignore the fact that this single application would take up the bulk of what Mayo can sustainably harvest each year.

"If you add the possibility that Arramara Teoranta might reapply for 5,237 tonnes they originally sought in 2014, the impact is clear: local seaweed harvesters would be effectively pushed out.”

Traditional seaweed harvesters in Mayo, Galway, and Donegal have exercised their rights for generations.

Some of these rights may not be formally recorded in title documents, but they are deeply rooted in local practice and heritage.

“Corporate seaweed companies should not be allowed to displace local people,” Deputy Lawless said.

“Local families have every right to continue harvesting the seaweed they have depended on for generations, and to sell it to whichever processor they choose. Those rights must be protected.”

Seaweed is not only a valuable resource for the local economy, but also a critical natural defence against coastal erosion and flooding. It is one of our most effective nature‑based solutions for protecting vulnerable shorelines.

“We cannot and must not allow large‑scale companies to plunder our beautiful coastline,” Deputy Lawless added.

“The environmental and cultural importance of our seaweed beds cannot be overstated.”

Deputy Lawless has advised local seaweed harvesters to ensure their traditional rights are registered and formally recognised with Tailte Éireann, and encouraged anyone seeking further information or assistance to contact his office directly.

“This meeting shows the strength and unity of our coastal communities. We will work together to ensure that their rights, their livelihoods, and our natural environment are protected.”

A representative of BioAtlantis has outlined to The Connaught Telegraph: “BioAtlantis wish to work in partnership with local hand harvesters in Clew Bay to create a vibrant industry, and add value to the seaweed resource in Ireland.

"The application ensures that traditional seaweed harvesting rights are fully respected and measures are included to ensure the license has no impacts on existing harvesting rights in Clew Bay.

"BioAtlantis will not harvest in any area where existing appurtenant rights exist, without first obtaining permission from the owner of such rights.

"Where Profit-à-Prendre rights are successfully registered with Tailte Éireann, the harvesting plan will be adjusted to ensure that those individuals can continue to harvest.

"It is envisaged that a clause may be included in the licence issued to allow the harvesting of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed, stating that if a Profit-à-Prendre rights holder provides sufficient proof to their right, the licensee would be prohibited from harvesting in that area, without first obtaining permission from the owner of such rights.”