Local scale makes sense in light of the concerns about disease and propagation of invasive algae though. It also could be seen as positive from a cultural stand

Local scale makes sense in light of the concerns about disease and propagation of invasive algae though. It also could be seen as positive from a cultural standpoint, as the culture of seaside towns could be retained by keeping some of the population in aquaculture, instead of being moved into the same jobs that are found pretty much everywhere. Having 'seaweed harvester' as a role maintains a cultural element that might otherwise be lost, as fishing fleets modernise and globalise. Another component is that it could strengthen ties between local communities, particularly between local agriculture and aquaculture. Those doing the kelp farming would probably have a few contacts with farmers interested in using kelp for animal feed, such as for the methane reduction proposal, and building a tie. They might also have other aquaculture employment, like clearing algal blooms, which could then be sold as fertaliser. I personally prefer that scene to something that's been financially instrumentised to death, has no local component, and is going to be lobbying to have the rules made its way instead of fitting in with pre-existing kelp exploitation by those with folio rights.