Asparagopsis R&D review and implementation plan for a national seaweed hatchery network

Project number: 2022-132

Project Status:

Completed

Budget expenditure: $103,930.00

Principal Investigator: Jo Kelly

Organisation: Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance

Project start/end date: 23 Feb 2023 - 6 Jul 2023

Contact:

FRDC

Need

The project provides support for ASSA to undertake preparation activities in advance of receiving an $8.0m grant from the Federal government (late May/early June 2023). The duration of the grant is approximately 2 years and includes $6.18 million expenditure aligned to the NHN. Given the tight time frames for what is expected to be a relatively complex capital and human resource intensive NHN build, the earlier the consultation and planning phase can be completed the better. Currently there are a number of public and private research organisations conducting research on Asparagopsis aquaculture and the application of Asparagopsis derived products for methane reduction. In order to maximise the industry development impact of grant funding may have, it is imperative that the current research initiatives are compiled and reviewed to identify potential information and opportunity gaps prior to the grant being issued. Engaging a SME to review Asparagopsis R&D and provide expert consultation on the conceptualisation and NHN will improve the prospects for the eligible grant activities to be achieved within the stipulated grant duration (until 31 March 2025).

Objectives

1. Review Asparagopsis R&D across the supply chain from production to application

2. Develop a plan that details investments in the ASSA National Hatchery Network until 31 March 2025

Final report

Author: Jo Kelly and Margaret Rule

Final Report • 2023-06-01

2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.

Final Report • 2023-06-01

2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).