SeafoodSource is closely following seaweed innovation by compiling a regular round-up of updates from the sector.
- Scottish Sea Farms announced a partnership with a seaweed farm in Loch Spelve, Scotland, which entails a year-long project aimed at harvesting both salmon and kelp together, according to the Global Seafood Alliance.
The project seeks to enhance the marine environment while mitigating the impact of farming activities through integrated multitrophic aquaculture practices.
“Seaweed is so beneficial in so many ways for the marine environment,” Scottish Sea Farms Head of Sustainability and Development Anne Anderson said. “As a plant, it absorbs carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen. It’s a bit like planting trees to offset your carbon footprint, and some of the organic nutrients – nitrogen and phosphorous – from salmon farming are absorbed to help nourish the kelp. It will be interesting to see if we get more seaweed growth once we put the salmon in.”
Seaweed lines have shown promising growth, Scottish Sea Farms said, and in June, the company will stock four 90-meter pens with salmon, for which the organization has received permission from Crown Estate Scotland. There are ongoing discussions to amend the farming lease to allow long-term seaweed cultivation, as well.
- Seagreen Insights, a U.S. nonprofit that pulls research data and aims to educate the public about seaweed, released a new report on the evolution of the seaweed industry.
“Lessons Learned Marketing Seaweed Products in the U.S. Market" highlights advancements in the study of seaweed markets, showing effective strategies seaweed producers have used and ways to support organizations to boost sales and growth in the U.S.
The report explores branding approaches, product development, and sales channels that have driven consumer sales. Findings include the fact that individual partnerships with a restaurant or chef have led to success for seaweed farmers and that retail, conversely, has been especially difficult for farmers to crack.
“The report comes at a critical time as the seaweed industry in the U.S. seeks to grow with more cultivation and product innovation,” Seagreen said in a release. “Entrepreneurs and investors, as well as existing companies, will benefit from the report’s rich content that was provided by over 25 professionals in the U.S. seaweed industry, including farmers, producers, and industry support entities. It is envisioned that the report will serve as a tool, helping seaweed producers expedite their sales efforts and avoid mistakes that other companies have experienced.”
