The socio-economic aspects of seaweed cultivation are certainly remarkable, but the ecological and environmental impacts are the true worth of this practice.

By being among the main primary producers of the marine ecosystem, seaweeds represent a carbon negative crop that can be used as mitigation tool against climate change and ocean acidification.

By being ecosystem engineers, seaweeds in offshore cultivation are able to preserve and enhance biodiversity, both for habitat and species. They provide the perfect area for feeding, reproduction and nursery for many marine organisms, giving them the chance to restore their natural population and, consequentially, reduce the fishing pressure.

Finally, seaweeds can be applied for bioremediation purposes. This aspect is particularly relevant in the aquaculture industry, where seaweeds are implemented in the Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture systems (IMTA) where they uptake the excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen, from natural or artificial water bodies, like the ones where fish are normally farmed.