The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) must clarify the process of securing traditional seaweed harvesting rights before any further commercial licences are granted, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore and the party’s Galway West by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich.
Speaking after the issue of traditional seaweed harvesting rights was raised at today’s Oireachtas Fisheries Committee, Deputy Whitmore said:
“I was delighted to invite Mike Ó Curraoin, a seaweed harvester from Leitir Calaidh, to today’s committee hearing. Mike has been working with seaweed from a very young age – harvesting it by hand and using it as fertiliser on the land – so it is important that his expertise in this area is shared.
“MARA today acknowledged that, in the absence of any official documentation, it can be difficult for harvesters to prove they have traditional rights to work in specific areas along the West of Ireland coastline.
“Traditionally, harvesters have had to demonstrate generational usage of a site, and then sign an affidavit to that effect. But this does not prevent somebody else coming in and claiming that they also have traditional rights in the same area.
“While MARA’s website contains guidance on this issue, it is probably not explicit enough about the process. The authority further advises that traditional seaweed harvesters should ensure they are registered with Tailte – the State’s registration and property valuation service – so there is a record of their rights.
“At today’s meeting, Údarás na Gaeltachta made it clear they were not aware of the processes and were concerned about the uncertainty around pathways for harvesters to make themselves known. This highlights the level of confusion and lack of awareness surrounding the issue of seaweed harvesting rights.”
Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich said:
“It is clear from today’s committee hearing that there has been insufficient communication with traditional seaweed harvesters.
“In the absence of clarity, we are calling on MARA to halt the issuing of licences to large commercial operators. There needs to be meaningful engagement with traditional seaweed harvesters on this issue – not just vague guidelines put up on a website.
“MARA appears to be under-resourced, with no national policy from Government directing what they can do.
“The existing process does not include enough protections for traditional seaweed harvesters. It is crucial that their voices are heard and they do not lose out to the interests of big multinationals because of gaps in the licensing system.”
April 28, 2026