Asparagopsis taxiformis © SeaStock
In recent years, algae aquaculture markets have developed significantly both locally and abroad for a type of red algae known as Asparagopsis. While Asparagopsis grows naturally along Western Australia‘s coast, SeaStock has developed an innovative onshore cultivation method that provides consistent quality biomass and higher yields compared with traditional offshore cultivation methods.
This new aquaculture licence will allow SeaStock to commence its first phase of commercial production to meet growing global demand across its product range. Famed for reducing methane emissions from cattle when included as part of their diet, Asparagopsis also has the potential for use in a wider range of products.
"Algae aquaculture is an exciting, emerging sector and I applaud SeaStock for their leadership and investment in Western Australia. This aquaculture licence opens the door for SeaStock to increase commercial production to meet growing demand nationally and internationally for these high-purity, naturally produced extracts," said fisheries minister Jackie Jarvis in a press release.
The natural red pigment from Asparagopsis has antibacterial, anti-ageing, anti-allergy and antiviral properties, while also promoting collagen production. Compounds derived from algae are utilised across the pharmaceutical industry to treat a wide range of conditions from stomach ailments to cancer, and heart and lung diseases.
In methods patented by the company, SeaStock extracts these high-purity compounds from the red algae, which can then be used in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, skin care and cosmetic products, as well as agriculture and in the meat and dairy industries.
The Cook Labor Government, through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, has worked with SeaStock since 2024 to provide an enabling regulatory environment for aquaculture trials, supporting the development of a scalable, land-based production method for Asparagopsis. The land-based cultivation method enables the company to control the variables that make consistent ocean-based production challenging, increase the concentration levels of key compounds within the algae, and minimise environmental impact.
"Western Australia is geographically well positioned to capture the growth across the global markets, and clear regulatory frameworks and policy is anchoring WA as the centre of excellence in algae production and processing," said SeaStock managing director Tom Puddy. "Since our establishment SeaStock has worked closely with the Western Australian Government to establish the industry regulatory framework to enable the algae industry to transition from research and development into commercial production."
