Symbios Buoy System Wins Green Concept Award for Sustainable Seaweed Farming

German designer Aaron Mooser has developed Symbios, a buoy system for sustainable seaweed cultivation, which has been recognized by the Green Concept Award. Originally a bachelor's thesis at Bauhaus University Weimar, the project explores how product design can foster resilient and ecologically sensitive ocean farming. Symbios consists of interconnected buoys that regulate the depth of seaweed growth: in warmer months, air chambers submerge cultivation lines into cooler, deeper water, maintaining favorable conditions year-round and enabling continuous farming. The system addresses the challenge of constant monitoring by collecting environmental data via sensors and transmitting it to a digital dashboard for remote monitoring. Its modular design facilitates easy repairs and component replacement, promoting longevity and sustainability. Developed through research and consultation with experts in marine biology, engineering, and seaweed farming, Symbios aims to improve yield while supporting marine biodiversity by avoiding seasonal clearing and replanting. The design's recognition by the Green Concept Award highlights its potential impact on sustainable aquaculture.