About Us
The Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA) is an organization dedicated to the growth and innovation of the seaweed industry. We are committed to the sustainable and responsible development of the sector by acting as a liaison between industry stakeholders, research organisations, and government bodies.
Our members come from all along the value chain, ranging from seaweed harvesters to processors and distributors.
We strive to bring together the industry’s best and brightest to foster innovation and growth. SSIA is the go-to source for all things related to seaweed and the industry. Join us today and be part of a vibrant and growing community!
Our vision is to have Scotland at the heart of innovation and sustainable economic growth of commercial companies involved in seaweed species in the North Atlantic
OUR TEAM
The SSIA provides experienced advice, guidance, and support in relation to all aspects of seaweed cultivation in Scotland. Our Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers within the industry with extensive knowledge and expertise; we are committed to ensuring the safe and sustainable harvesting of seaweed for generations to come.
RHIANNA REES
Business Development Manager
Rhianna has been working on the development of the seaweed industry for several years. Winner of Aquaculture UK's Rising Star Award, and Seagriculture EU's Sustainability Award, Rhianna has a deep and knowledgeable understanding of the entire value chain, including the challenges, opportunities, and actions needed to bring the industry forward.
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OWEN STEVENS
Chairman of the Board
Owen started his marine career in Asia as a shipbroker selling commercial vessels. He has subsequently worked for the last 25 years internationally in aquaculture. Often working in challenging places, with species new to aquaculture, Owen brings global perspective, enthusiasm, and a passion for improving humanity’s relationship with our oceans. He runs an aquaculture consultancy, Fishwise Ltd, in Edinburgh with his wife Gill and is honoured to be Chair of SSIA.
ADRIAN MACLEOD
Director
During his 10-year tenure at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Adrian worked as a Research Scientist specialising in macroalgal cultivation and processing. He was Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on several EU projects including MacroFuels, Impaqt, and ASTRAL, Adrian also played a central role in helping developing the Seaweed Academy. In addition to his scientific roles, Adrian manages two trial seaweed farms as well as providing marine consultancy services. Adrian now splits his time between SAMS and his new role as Innovation Manager for Atlantic Mariculture Ltd, one of Scotland’s leading seaweed cultivation companies based at the Ardtoe Marine Laboratory.
JIM KEOGH
Director
Jim Keogh is the Europe Director of Strategic Affair at Arramara and relies on his 40 years of public sector experience to foster ongoing development. When not on the clock, he spends his time golfing, cooking, reading and swimming (when the season is right).
Clare Dean
Director
Starting her career with a degree in Food Marketing Management, Clare has 20 years’ experience in the food industry, working for various chilled manufacturing categories in Samworth Brothers, before moving into fresh produce and finally seafood.
Clare worked for the national trade body Seafood Scotland as a Trade Marketing Manager for ten years, delivering brand marketing and trade development to support the growth of the Scottish seafood industry. Moving into the seaweed sector, she co-founded Seaweed Enterprises Ltd in 2023, a primary processor producing bulk dried seaweed and a range of branded finished goods.
STEVIE JARRON
Director
Stevie grew up fishing with his father from port Seton. He built Argyll Aquaculture Ltd to support the seaweed industry in Scotland by bringing practical farming experience, as well as expertise in site selection, licensing, farm design, deployment, harvesting and product logistics.
DUNCAN SMALLMAN
Director and Treasurer
Dr Duncan Smallman is Head of Marine Innovation at Seaweed Generation. He has been active in the seaweed industry since 2013 and joined the SSIA in 2015, after he founded Slate Islands Seaweed. He has a background in marine biology and diseases in aquaculture and lives in Argyll having spent his seaweed formative years on Easdale island and the shores of Loch Fyne.
DANIEL CARCAJONA
Director
Daniel Cracajona has extensive experience in IMTA applied research and commercial seaweed growing. His research has focused on upscaling gametophyte cultures, hatchery management, species colocation, and cleaner fish. He has over 10 years’ experience working in the aquaculture sector, both in applied research and commercial operations in seaweed and fish, and a sound knowledge in various species and aspects of aquaculture.