News

Research along Maine’s coast has revealed genetic differences that could inform kelp forest management, restoration and the sourcing of material for aquaculture.

Seaweed-producing countries are seeking to capture more value as the global market expands, according to UNCTAD. The article highlights that seaweed derivatives account for 30% of export volume but 68% of export value, underscoring the greater returns available from higher-value processed products. It also notes seaweed’s sustainability advantages, including that it requires no farmland, freshwater or feed.

California officials have cleared plans for what could become the largest kelp farm in the United States, a roughly 3-square-mile offshore operation planned near Ventura County that could eventually harvest up to 6,000 tons of kelp annually.

Pollution, habitat degradation and economic activities all pose increasing threats to the health of the world’s oceans, and the Irish element of an EU-funded project has demonstrated how seaweed can make a positive difference.

NewHeritage, a South Korean startup combining seaweed-based snacks with intellectual property content to export gim products to 13 countries, announced on September 4 that it has raised 1 billion won (approximately USD 760,000) in Seed funding from CNTTech.

A locally developed seaweed-based organic fertiliser is helping farmers reduce production costs, improve soil fertility and increase crop yields, while offering an environmentally friendly alternative to expensive industrial fertilisers and pesticides.

What's the deal? SeaGrown, a Scarborough company growing seaweed and shellfish in the North Sea, has secured a grant from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Carbon Negative Challenge Fund. The money backs a new project, SeaSwell, which processes Yorkshire seaweed into biostimulants for crops and food ingredients.