The event gathered stakeholders from across Asia-Pacific and beyond to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and strengthen the industry’s resilience.
It also provided a platform for participants from across the seaweed value chain to address challenges and seize new opportunities. The event was supported by the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA), which is dedicated to scaling up environmentally responsible seaweed farming to produce food, feed and bioproducts.
On 18 March, attendees participated in a site visit, gaining first-hand insights into pioneering research and traditional practices. Delegates engaged with leading scientists from the South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI), explored innovative seaweed projects, and had the unique opportunity to speak with a Ngarrindjeri Elder about sustainable fishing practices. A highlight of the tour was a demonstration by local business Kuti Co., followed by a tasting of South Australia’s finest seafood at the renowned Kuti Shack, nestled in the sand dunes of Goolwa Beach.
Held from 19 to 20 March, the conference featured a programme designed to address key challenges and opportunities in the seaweed industry. The sessions covered a broad range of topics, including climate change mitigation, sustainable farming innovations, market opportunities, investment trends, and regulatory frameworks.
With nearly 50 speakers, the event brought together entrepreneurs and business leaders, policymakers, and scientists from organisations such as The Nature Conservancy, Coast 4C, Seadling, Sea6 Energy and Hortimare. The programme included keynote addresses by prominent figures such as Professor Tim Flannery, Steve Meller (CH4 Global), Alan T Critchley (Verschuren Centre), Steven Hermans (Phyconomy), and Alex Baker (FutureFeed).
Interactive panel discussions provided insights into the future of seaweed farming, investment opportunities, and policy development, while the seaweed elevator pitches showcased groundbreaking research and emerging business ideas in the sector.
A highlight was the vibrant trade show, where exhibitors showcased the latest technologies and equipment driving the seaweed sector forward. Delegates engaged in meaningful networking opportunities, fostering new partnerships and knowledge exchange. Additionally, insightful poster presentations provided deeper dives into research and development in the industry.
The conference included a networking dinner at the Rose Garden Pavilion in the Adelaide Botanical Gardens, providing participants with a picturesque setting to build connections and exchange ideas.
Advancing the seaweed industry
Jo Kelly, chair of ASSA, highlighted the significance of sustainable seaweed farming, saying: "The growing seaweed industry presents enormous potential for both economic growth and environmental sustainability. Seagriculture Asia-Pacific 2025 has been instrumental in fostering dialogue and partnerships that will help drive the Australian seaweed sector forward."
Kim Kreuser, project manager of Seagriculture Asia-Pacific 2025, emphasised the importance of global collaboration in the seaweed sector, stating: "Seagriculture is more than just a conference - it’s a platform for connecting industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to drive meaningful progress. Hosting this event in the Asia-Pacific region has opened up incredible opportunities for knowledge sharing and business development."
Seagriculture EU 2025
The upcoming Seagriculture EU 2025 conference will be held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, from 17-19 June. This event will include a site visit to Hortimare and NIOZ, offering attendees a firsthand look at leading seaweed research and commercial applications.
