Podcast Summary
US seaweed farming: US seaweed farming offers economic opportunities for fishermen, environmental benefits like reversing ocean acidification, and reduces the need for land and water resources compared to traditional farming
Seaweed, a popular ingredient in sushi and various health foods, is primarily imported to the US from countries like China and South Korea. However, with the growing demand for seaweed in the US market, there's a push to farm it domestically. Proponents argue that seaweed aquaculture could provide economic benefits for fishermen, help reverse ocean acidification, and reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides used in land farming. Atlantic Sea Farms, a company based in Maine, is leading the charge in US seaweed farming, and their products are already making their way to local grocery stores. Seaweed is unique because it grows in the ocean without requiring arable land or fresh water, and while it grows, it absorbs carbon and nitrogen from the water. With the potential benefits of domestic seaweed farming, it's an exciting development for both the environment and the economy.
Ocean acidification impact on shellfish vs. kelp: Ocean acidification harms shellfish but benefits kelp, and the seaweed industry is growing due to consumer demand for health, traceability, and environmental impact.
Ocean acidification poses a significant threat to shell-bearing organisms like oysters, mussels, and scallops, making the ocean more acidic and negatively impacting their viability. However, organisms within the kelp halo are experiencing positive effects due to the removal of carbon and nitrogen from the water. The seaweed industry in the U.S. has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in Maine and Alaska, driven by consumer demand for traceability, health, and environmental impact. Seaweed's popularity has extended beyond snacks and frozen seaweed salad, with new offerings such as sea veggie burgers, kelp cubes for smoothies, and fermented seaweed salad. The industry's growth is a response to changing consumer preferences and commitments from big corporations to environmental and climate change goals.
Kelp flavors and textures: The company offers various kelp flavors and textures, catering to diverse customer preferences, and aims to expand production to meet growing demand from various industries
The kelp produced by this company offers a range of flavors and textures, from a mild, green umami taste and crunchy texture in blanched products, to a stronger, oceanic umami flavor in raw seaweed. The customer base is currently predominantly millennials and Gen Zs shopping at major retailers like Whole Foods and Wegmans, but there is also growing interest from industries like bioplastics, cosmetics, and pet food. The company aims to expand its impact by partnering with more farmers to produce larger quantities of kelp, with a goal of having 100 farmers producing 100,000 pounds each by 2030. Ultimately, the potential market for kelp is vast, as it can be used in a wide variety of applications, from food to industrial products.
Seaweed partnerships with larger companies: Partnering with larger companies is crucial for scaling up seaweed production and distribution, benefiting the environment and coastal communities. Atlantic Sea Farms collaborates with established farmers, offering assistance in leases, site selection, water testing, and farm design to expand the industry rapidly while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Partnerships with larger companies are crucial for scaling up the production and distribution of seaweed, which is essential for the environment and coastal communities, particularly in areas where lobster populations are declining due to warming waters. Atlantic Sea Farms has adopted a model of working with established farmers in the industry, providing assistance in obtaining leases, site selection, water testing, and farm design. This collaborative approach aims to expand the seaweed industry quickly, addressing the urgency of climate change mitigation and providing a much-needed economic buffer for coastal communities. However, it's important to ensure that increased demand for seaweed does not lead to negative environmental impacts.
Seaweed farming: Company produces seaweed seeds in-house, provides them to farmers for free, and guarantees purchase and preset price for harvested seaweed to ensure consistent quality and production of fresh, jarred, and frozen seaweed products
This company, through a controlled and sustainable process, produces seaweed seeds in-house, provides them for free to partner farmers, and guarantees purchase and a preset price for the harvested seaweed. This approach ensures consistent quality and allows for the production of fresh, jarred, and frozen seaweed products. The company chooses to farm seaweed instead of foraging it for reasons such as controlling the product, maintaining consistent quality, and producing a desirable end product. Foraging can result in variable and rough products, making it less suitable for fresh, jarred, or frozen seaweed applications.
Seaweed farming in Gulf of Maine: Sustainable farming of sugar kelp and skinny kelp in Gulf of Maine is crucial for preserving habitats, ensuring business predictability, and drawing out carbon. Potential exists for expanding to other native species with research and sustainable practices.
Sustainable farming of seaweed, specifically sugar kelp and skinny kelp in the Gulf of Maine, is crucial for preserving diverse habitats, ensuring predictability for businesses, and drawing out a significant amount of carbon. These two species are currently the most viable options due to their ease of farming and market appeal. However, there's potential for expanding to other native species, but research is needed to determine their viability in the market and the best practices for farming them. It's essential to prioritize sustainable and additive practices in seaweed farming to maintain the health of the ocean and support the growth of the industry.
Seaweed Industry Growth: CEO Brianna Warner envisions a thriving seaweed industry in the next decade, led by fishermen and expanding through increased farming and grocery store presence
Learning from the discussion with Atlantic Sea Farms CEO Brianna Warner is the potential for significant growth and environmental impact in the seaweed industry. Warner does not express concern about the environmental damage from large-scale seaweed farming in North America, Europe, or South America. Instead, she encourages investment in the blue economy and sees her company expanding to make a substantial impact through increasing the number of farmers and getting kelp into various grocery store aisles. In ten years, Warner hopes for a thriving seaweed industry led by fishermen, with kelp farming as a regular part of their income on the water.
Manufacturing revolution: Automation and AI are transforming manufacturing, making it more efficient and productive. New jobs are being created, but workforce needs reskilling and upskilling. Businesses and governments must collaborate for a smooth transition.
Technology continues to shape and transform various industries at an unprecedented pace. In this episode of "The Future of Everything," we explored how automation and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the manufacturing sector, making it more efficient and productive. We also discussed how these technologies are leading to the creation of new jobs, despite the fear of mass unemployment. Furthermore, we touched upon the importance of reskilling and upskilling the workforce to adapt to these changes. Lastly, we emphasized the need for businesses and governments to work together to ensure a smooth transition to this new industrial revolution. Stay tuned for more insights on the future of everything, only on The Wall Street Journal.