Marine Biologics Secures Funding for Alaskan Macroalgae Innovation

Roscoff, France & Kodiak, Alaska, September 30, 2024 – Planetary health and macroalgae innovator Marine Biologics announced funding from the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation’s Joint Innovations Project for a breakthrough partnership with three Kodiak-based seaweed farms: Alaska Ocean Farms, Alaska Sea Greens, and Spruce Island Farms. The project, titled "Novel Compound Discovery in Newly Domesticated Alaskan Kelp," will focus on developing novel ingredients from newly commercialized Alaskan kelp species.

Leveraging its proprietary platform, Marine Biologics seeks to tap into Alaska's regenerative macroalgae farming network to commercialize sustainable, innovative compounds and ingredient systems. While over 10,000 species of macroalgae exist on the planet, fewer than 15 species are actively farmed for commercial use globally. This project aims to unlock untapped potential in cultivated species including dragon kelp (Eualaria fistulosa), split kelp (Hedophyllum nigripes), and bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana).

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

Working alongside the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, the team will focus on fast-tracking the extraction and analysis of high-value compounds, aiming to meet growing demand for clean-label, sustainable solutions across industries.

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