Imaginaries of blue transformations: Just seaweed narratives in European Union and Indonesian seaweed farming policies

Blue economy practices and policies have faced substantial criticism regarding their ability to support a just blue transformation. In response, a policy maturation process has incorporated blue justice rhetoric into many blue economy strategies. However, the extent to which these new policy narratives genuinely promote a just blue transformation remains unclear. This paper addresses the issue by examining the integration of justice components in the seaweed policies of the European Union and Indonesia. By focusing on a key player and an ambitious newcomer in global seaweed production, the study provides fresh insights into how justice narratives in transnational seaweed policies influence the sector's potential for a just future. The analysis reveals a problematic framing in both policy spheres, which promotes a "conditional justice" approach. This framing is misaligned with a balanced integration of distributive, procedural, and recognition justice. Consequently, despite their rhetorical commitments to justice, these policies raise concerns about their capacity to achieve a truly just blue transformation.