Evaluating the readiness of regenerative ocean aquaculture in the Baltic Sea: a multi-dimensional approach

Chronic eutrophication and declining coastal livelihoods in the Baltic Sea drive the search for sustainable solutions such as regenerative ocean farming (ROF). ROF is a nature-based form of aquaculture using low-trophic species like seaweeds and bivalves that extract nutrients from enriched waters. It is framed as a response to combined environmental and socioeconomic challenges, not as a stand-alone technical concept. Despite growing interest, no comprehensive assessment of ROF readiness exists for the Baltic Sea. This study addresses this gap by examining stakeholder perceptions across five dimensions: socio-economic, techno-economic, environmental, regulatory, and social acceptance. Using a series of co-assessment workshops with stakeholders from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany, we identify key barriers including weak regulatory frameworks, low public awareness, limited infrastructure, and underdeveloped value chains. We also highlight enabling factors such as targeted training, policy reform, and improved monitoring. Results indicate that ROF remains in an early stage of development across all countries, with Germany showing the highest overall readiness. Technological and monitoring capabilities score highest, while socio-economic, and social acceptance and especially regulatory dimensions lag behind. The findings highlight the need for coordinated actions to build institutional capacities, streamline licensing, and foster public support to advance ROF as a sustainable solution for environmental restoration and coastal economic resilience in the Baltic Sea.