Seaweed cultivation has gained significant attention due to its wide range of biomass benefits. However, comprehensive assessments are needed to ensure sustainable cultivation. Biotic and abiotic factors significantly impact seaweed yield in commercial farming. Biotic factors include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other algae, while abiotic factors include temperature, salinity, light intensity, and nutrient availability. Seaweed is susceptible to pests and diseases, leading to potential crop losses. This review highlights the potential of macroalgae cultivation and the need for scientific advancements. It discusses the latest developments in seaweed cultivation and provides insights into future directions. The global market for seaweed farming is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% until 2027. Seaweed farming can address food shortages and provide environmental services such as carbon storage and nitrogen recycling. It also offers socioeconomic benefits to vulnerable coastal communities. Challenges include biotic and abiotic factors, pests, and diseases. Solutions include genetic improvement, automation, and bio-refining of seaweed biomass. Seaweed farming can contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable development goals. It has the potential to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide sustainable materials. Seaweed farming is a fast-growing industry with significant global potential. It is practiced in 132 countries, with 48 million square kilometers of farmed areas. Seaweed farming can provide economic and environmental benefits, but challenges include biosecurity, climate change, and resource competition. The review emphasizes the need for sustainable practices, innovation, and collaboration to ensure the long-term success of seaweed farming.Seaweed cultivation has gained significant attention due to its wide range of biomass benefits. However, comprehensive assessments are needed to ensure sustainable cultivation. Biotic and abiotic factors significantly impact seaweed yield in commercial farming. Biotic factors include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other algae, while abiotic factors include temperature, salinity, light intensity, and nutrient availability. Seaweed is susceptible to pests and diseases, leading to potential crop losses. This review highlights the potential of macroalgae cultivation and the need for scientific advancements. It discusses the latest developments in seaweed cultivation and provides insights into future directions. The global market for seaweed farming is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% until 2027. Seaweed farming can address food shortages and provide environmental services such as carbon storage and nitrogen recycling. It also offers socioeconomic benefits to vulnerable coastal communities. Challenges include biotic and abiotic factors, pests, and diseases. Solutions include genetic improvement, automation, and bio-refining of seaweed biomass. Seaweed farming can contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable development goals. It has the potential to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide sustainable materials. Seaweed farming is a fast-growing industry with significant global potential. It is practiced in 132 countries, with 48 million square kilometers of farmed areas. Seaweed farming can provide economic and environmental benefits, but challenges include biosecurity, climate change, and resource competition. The review emphasizes the need for sustainable practices, innovation, and collaboration to ensure the long-term success of seaweed farming.