Enabling Offshore Seaweed Cultivation through Continuous Ocean Monitoring

Offshore seaweed aquaculture is emerging as a sustainable solution to support global demands for food, energy, and bioproducts, while contributing to carbon sequestration, nutrient bioremediation and marine biodiversity. This study characterizes the oceanographic and environmental conditions of PLOCAN’s offshore test site (Gran Canaria, Spain) to assess its suitability for offshore macroalgae cultivation. Over 30 oceanographic campaigns (2011–2024) were conducted across five stations, measuring temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen and nutrients, complemented by PAR observations and HF radar current data. Results reveal stable open-ocean conditions offshore, contrasted with higher variability at nearshore stations due to coastal influences. Seasonal dynamics show winter nutrient enrichment and spring peaks in chlorophyll-a, driven by mixing processes, suggesting optimal windows for seaweed cultivation. Hydrodynamic analyses indicate current regimes suitable for offshore aquaculture, though systems must tolerate episodic high-velocity events. High PAR availability supports photosynthetic productivity year-round. This long-term monitoring framework demonstrates PLOCAN’s value as an experimental site for offshore aquaculture innovation and provides a transferable reference for similar initiatives such as the DELTA Project in La Palma. The findings strengthen the foundation for developing resilient and sustainable offshore seaweed farming systems.