A passionate advocate for sustainable ocean systems, Rhianna leads the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association, driving innovation, collaboration, and growth across the UK’s seaweed sector. With a background in knowledge exchange, regulation, and industry development, she champions seaweed’s role in the blue economy, from biostimulants to food systems. As co-chair of Women in Scottish Aquaculture, she also fosters inclusivity and leadership in marine industries.

During his 10-year tenure at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Adrian worked as a Research Scientist specialising in macroalgal cultivation and processing. He was Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on several EU projects including MacroFuels, Impaqt, and ASTRAL, Adrian also played a central role in helping developing the Seaweed Academy. In addition to his scientific roles, Adrian manages two trial seaweed farms as well as providing marine consultancy services. Adrian now splits his time between SAMS and his new role as Innovation Manager for Atlantic Mariculture Ltd, one of Scotland’s leading seaweed cultivation companies based at the Ardtoe Marine Laboratory.

Jim Keogh is the Europe Director of Strategic Affair at Arramara and relies on his 40 years of public sector experience to foster ongoing development. When not on the clock, he spends his time golfing, cooking, reading and swimming (when the season is right).

Alison Baker is co-founder and Managing Director of Eco Cascade CIC. Alison co-founded Eco Cascade in 2022 and set up Eco Cascade's seaweed processing facility in Kyle of Lochalsh in 2023 to serve the primary processing needs of seaweed farmers in the Highlands. Eco Cascade is a Community Interest Company and the aim of the enterprise is to bring the benefits of cultivated Scottish seaweed into conventional supply chains and assist the growth of the industry of seaweed aquaculture. Alison has a background in environmental campaigning, law and business development and strives to find practical solutions to solve supply chain challenges in the industry.

Owen started his marine career in Asia as a shipbroker selling commercial vessels. He has subsequently worked for the last 25 years internationally in aquaculture. Often working in challenging places, with species new to aquaculture, Owen brings global perspective, enthusiasm, and a passion for improving humanity’s relationship with our oceans. He runs an aquaculture consultancy, Fishwise Ltd, in Edinburgh with his wife Gill and is honoured to be Chair of SSIA.

Leigh has been working at South West Mull and Iona Development on their Aird Fada Seaweed Farm for 3 and a half years, beginning as a Project Officer and gradually moving up to Operations Manager. In this time, she has developed her understanding of operating a farm in energetic conditions, puzzling out the logistics of being on an island and increasing local engagement with seaweed. Leigh brings an enthusiasm for learning and a passion for the coastal community she lives in, and for how both coastal communities and the seaweed industry can benefit each other.

Dr Duncan Smallman is Head of Marine Innovation at Seaweed Generation. He has been active in the seaweed industry since 2013 and joined the SSIA in 2015, after he founded Slate Islands Seaweed. He has a background in marine biology and diseases in aquaculture and lives in Argyll having spent his seaweed formative years on Easdale island and the shores of Loch Fyne.

Daniel Cracajona has extensive experience in IMTA applied research and commercial seaweed growing. His research has focused on upscaling gametophyte cultures, hatchery management, species colocation, and cleaner fish. He has over 10 years’ experience working in the aquaculture sector, both in applied research and commercial operations in seaweed and fish, and a sound knowledge in various species and aspects of aquaculture.