The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Marine Biologics, a company focused on macroalgae innovation, has secured funding from the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation’s Joint Innovations Project to collaborate with three Kodiak-based seaweed farms: Alaska Ocean Farms, Alaska Sea Greens, and Spruce Island Farms.

The initiative, titled 'Novel Compound Discovery in Newly Domesticated Alaskan Kelp,' aims to explore and commercialize ingredients derived from lesser-known Alaskan kelp species.

This funding is part of a broader portfolio of joint innovation projects aimed at advancing the Alaskan mariculture industry. Marine Biologics seeks to leverage its proprietary data platform to tap into Alaska's regenerative macroalgae farming network.

Despite the existence of over 10,000 macroalgae species globally, fewer than 15 are actively cultivated for commercial use. This partnership intends to unlock the potential of species such as dragon kelp (Eualaria fistulosa), split kelp (Hedophyllum nigripes), and bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana).

Patrick Griffin, CEO of Marine Biologics, said: “This partnership opens the door for Alaskan macroalgae to drive innovation in sustainable ingredients. Our goal is to provide the data and technology needed to scale this new frontier.”

The initiative will also involve the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, focusing on the rapid extraction and analysis of high-value compounds to address the increasing demand for clean label and sustainable solutions across various industries.

Lexa Myer, owner of Alaska Ocean Farms, added: “Partnerships with innovators like Marine Biologics are helping to build Alaska’s seaweed sector into a robust and sustainable source of unique, functional ingredients for the food industry and beyond”.

As consumer demand for sustainable and innovative food ingredients continues to rise, the collaboration between Marine Biologics and Kodiak seaweed farms could provide valuable insights and opportunities for food and beverage manufacturers looking to diversify their ingredient sourcing and enhance product offerings.

The focus on untapped macroalgae species may also pave the way for new applications in health and nutrition, catering to an increasingly eco-conscious market.

#AlaskaFisheriesDevelopmentFoundation #MarineBiologics #microalgae #ingredients #sustainability