SeaStock granted licence to produce methane-busting seaweed livestock supplement

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SeaStock Pty Ltd, based in Perth, has become Western Australia’s first licensee to commercially market a natural seaweed-based animal feed supplement that significantly reduces methane emissions.

SeaStock is now one of only three licensees in Australia and six globally to get the licence from global patent-holder FutureFeed to sell Asparagopsis, a naturally occurring red seaweed, for processing into a supplement which reduces methane from ruminant livestock by over 90%.

“This is a huge milestone for SeaStock and WA, which is in the box seat to establish itself as a leading player in the burgeoning native seaweed industry,” said SeaStock Managing Director Mr Tom Puddy.

“The science behind the methane-reducing power of Asparagopsis is strong and proven to achieve significant environmental benefits through reducing carbon emissions. Reducing methane in animal production enables meat and dairy producers to meet growing demand from low-carbon food consumers.”

Adertisement

SeaStock will collaborate with Flinders University researchers, led by Professor of Aquaculture Jian Qin on how to produce and process Asparagopsis.

The company began working with Flinders University in early 2021 to build a successful research, development, and commercialization strategy.

Since then, the collaboration has resulted in a feasibility study and a strategy for SeaStock to give an effective technical solution for production, market entry, and commercialization.

“There is a fantastic opportunity to create a value-adding bridge between aquaculture and general agriculture,” Mr Puddy said.

“An expansive marine environment, strong regulation and compliance, leading technical expertise and job creating revenue streams can set this industry on a sustainable growth trajectory.”

The company already has advanced aquaculture lease agreements in place, including 300 hectares on the Abrolhos Islands, as well as a growing list of industry offtake partners ready to join the supply chain once production and processing of the supplement begins in 2022.

It also already collaborating with Australian universities on research and development and four regional Aboriginal corporations with access to suitable production areas off WA’s coast.

Image credit: https://news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2022/03/14/seaweed-research-project-gets-going/