Sugar Kelp seaweed growing success

It is always good to share some wonderful news about our work. In October 2022 seeded longlines of seaweed (Saccharina latissima – sugar kelp) were deployed across the project sites to assess their growth and nutrient remediation potential.

Monthly sampling of weight and biomass increase, as well as data-loggers were in-place to monitor the growing speed and capacity of nutrient bioremediation of the S. latissima. In these cold waters, our temperature data-loggers recorded evidence to help explain the influence of this parameter on growth and seaweed quality. Biofouling is a common challenge when growing seaweed in open seawater systems, especially as the days receive longer periods of sunlight and the water becomes warmer. All these parameters are recorded to provide recommendations for commercial levels of production and guidance about handling any marine invasive and non-native species (marine INNS). Monitoring biofouling is very important and can determine the success or failure of a seaweed crop, as well as its use at harvest time.

Rope longlines seeded with seaweed acclimatizing (UoP)

Seaweed seeded rope longlines being deployed at culture site (UoP)

Phenomenal growth

Phenomenal growth was observer within a few months of installing the seaweed cultivation longlines, which is a very proud moment for the team and good proof of the concept to promote larger scale seaweed culture where appropriate (in marine spatial plans). Harvesting is being done manually and was started in March 2023. Our full report with data analysis will be available in June 2023.

Sugar kelp growth about 2-3months after deploying the seeded longlines (Aleor-set1)

Sugar kelp growth about 2-3months after deploying the seeded longlines (Aleor-set2)

Sugar kelp growth about 2-3months after deploying the seeded longlines (UoP-set1)

Why is this work important!

The importance of this work is very timely when we considered the need for more sustainable marine resources that can provide solutions such as nutrient bioremediation, as well as carbon sequestration, and in their natural state or when biorefined – food, feed, fuel, medicines, and much more.

Our work is on the right path. Various stakeholders and industries, from seaweed farmers to governments, and business investors to green finance entities, will find exciting opportunities in seaweed cultivation. This work at project RaNTrans is confirming much of the outlook that are echoed globally at conferences such as Seagriculture (https://seagriculture.eu/; https://seagriculture-usa.com/ ; https://seagriculture-asiapacific.com/).

According to global industry experts;

“The North America commercial seaweed market is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2022 to 2029 and is expected to reach almost USD 5 billion by 2029. The demand for commercial seaweed is high hence revenue generation is also high which may help the market to grow in the region.”

“The Asia-Pacific commercial seaweed market is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2022 to 2029 and is expected to reach nearly USD 16 billion by 2029. The market is gaining significant growth due to increasing demand for seaweed in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, agriculture, domestic, animal feed, food & beverages.”

“Europe is an attractive market for seaweed from developing countries. The demand for edible seaweeds (or marine algae) is increasing in Europe. Its biochemical composition and properties make seaweed a valuable material, and its range of applications is growing as current R&D technologies are refined and new discoveries are made.”

Stay tuned for RaNTrans detailed reports in June 2023.

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