Nazaré approves strategic protocol for marine regeneration and seaweed farming

The Nazaré City Council has approved a Strategic Cooperation Protocol with Nazaré Qualifica and the Hope Zones Foundation to advance marine ecosystem regeneration, scientific research, and the blue economy.

A central component of this partnership is the Nazaré Regenerative Seaweed Farm (NRSF), which is set to become Portugal’s first regenerative open-sea seaweed farm. The project aims to combine technological innovation with sustainable macroalgae production to serve as a tool for environmental research and ecosystem restoration.

The initiative includes technical and scientific oversight from MARE – Politécnico de Leiria and seeks to involve the local community, including fishermen, schools, and the surfing community. The Hope Zones Foundation has committed to prioritizing the hiring of local fishermen for the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of the seaweed farm. Additionally, the partnership plans to explore the value of produced biomass for applications such as biofertilizers.