An aquaculture licence has been granted to Fremantle-based company SeaStock Pty Ltd for the construction of Western Australia’s first commercial scale, land-based seaweed production facility, set to be built in Oakford.
According to the WA Government, in recent years, algae aquaculture markets have developed significantly both locally and abroad for a type of red algae known as Asparagopsis.
This algae grows naturally along the WA coast, but SeaStock has developed an innovative onshore cultivation method that provides consistent quality biomass and high yield, compared with traditional offshore cultivation methods.
This new aquaculture licence will allow SeaStock to commence their first phase of commercial production to meet the growth in global demand across their product range.
Asparagopsis, an extremely versatile algae, is known to reduce methane emissions from cows when included as part of their diet and has the potential for use in a more diverse range of products.
The natural red pigment from Asparagopsis has antibacterial, anti-ageing, anti-allergy, antiviral, and collagen-promoting properties, leading to its increasing demand.
Compounds derived from algae are currently in use 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 Asparagopsis, 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 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been working with SeaStock since 2024 to provide an enabling regulatory environment for aquaculture trials.
This has enabled SeaStock to develop the scalable, land-based production method for Asparagopsis that is now being undertaken.
The company has stated that its unique method enables them to control the variables that make consistent ocean-based production challenging, increase concentration levels of key compounds within algae, and minimise environmental impact.
WA Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis commented on the project.
“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.
SeaStock managing director Tom Puddy is also excited about the company’s future.
“This is a major phase in SeaStock’s journey. By keeping our production and processing here in WA, SeaStock is enabled to consider further expansion of our production capacity within regional WA using the same licensing structure.
“Western Australia is geographically well positioned to capture the growth across the global markets, and clear regulatory frameworks and policy are anchoring WA as the centre of excellence in algae production and processing.
“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.”
Member for Darling Range Hugh Jones has also expressed enthusiasm for Seastock’s project and the benefits and investment it will draw into the Serpentine Jarrahdale area.
