Asparagopsis Seaweed

What is Asparagopsis Seaweed?

Asparagopsis is a naturally occurring red seaweed native to the Western Australian Coast.

More weight gain from less feed

CSIRO researchers found that when Asparagopsis taxiformis is added to cattle feed it significantly neutralises the methane produced in the animals’ stomachs.

In addition to reducing methane emissions from Asparagopsis feed supplement, CSIRO researchers recorded a potential of 20% growth rate enhancement during a 90-day feeding period due to the energy intensive nature of methane generation.

IN FACT, A TRIAL FOUND THAT WHEN A COW’S DIET CONTAINS JUST 0.2%
ASPARAGOPSIS, METHANE GENERATION IS REDUCED BY MORE THAN 90%.
ACCESS FUTURE FEED RESEARCH AND REPORTS HERE

Species

There are currently two Asparagopsis seaweed species high in natural bromoform. SeaStock is currently focused on the cultivation and production of Asparagopsis taxiformis derived compounds.

Asparagopsis Taxiformis

Tropical to Warm water
19 – 29 degrees

Asparagopsis Amarta

Cold water
15 – 24 degrees

Natural Bromoform (CHBr3)

Bromoform is an active chemical found in Asparagopsis Spp, and is the primary cause of methane reduction in the ruminant animal’s stomach, working alongside 120 other bioactive compounds found in the seaweed. Australian and New Zealand demand for Bromoform for methane reduction is expected to reach A$1 billion by 2030. It’s uses and applications, in addition to its use as a methane reducing feed supplement for livestock is currently being identified and expanded.

Extracting natural compounds

SeaStock is currently working with our research team to extract a range of high value natural compounds from seaweed and algae for use in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and health care industries.

Other Species

SeaStock will continue to work to identify further high value algae and seaweeds and to adapt and apply its extraction method IP to deliver ongoing value and a diversified business model. The Company’s IP created can be replicated beyond the Asparagopsis variety of seaweed, which will allow SeaStock to discover and tap into future seaweed compounds that occur naturally along the West Australian coastline.

DR SANJANA SENTHILKuMaR

Research Scientist

Dr Sanjana Senthilkumar is a Ph.D. graduate of Philosophy in Biosciences and Bioengineering, from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, and holds a Bachelor of Technology in biochemistry from Sathyabama University, in India. During this time Sanjana gained vast research knowledge on plant secondary metabolites and their physiochemical properties. Her nearly decade-long experience spans across plant tissue culture, natural product chemistry, photo-physics, and various analytical techniques. She possesses skill in experimental design, research review, execution, data analysis, and scientific writing. She has led and executed a research entrepreneurship project, which involved design, development, and patenting of an innovative apparatus for use in chemistry laboratories. Additionally, she has undertaken several roles as a trainer, teaching assistant, supervisor, instrument operator, and laboratory demonstrator. Sanjana has been appointed to the position of Research Scientist to support the next phase of the Company’s commercial growth. Tasked specifically with helping establish a scientific approach to developing sustainable and commercially viable biomass growth of macro algae.

Zoe HOpKINSON

Production Technician

In 2023 Zoe completed a Bachelors in Coastal and Marine Science at Curtin University. During her study Zoe also gained work experience as an aquaculture volunteer, including roles with PhD students and Department Primary Industry Resource Development (DPIRD).  In addition Zoe worked at the Geraldton TAFE commercial hatchery, which introduced her knowledge to cultivate Asparagopsis seaweed and aquaculture operations.
Within completing Zoe's degree, she also completed field work studies on fish behaviours and interacted with multiple marine based professionals.  Zoe had access to innovative technology that made her learning & experiences much more immersive and accessible, enabling her to gain experience in technologies, equipment and platforms used within the aquaculture research industry.  Zoe is thrilled to be a part of the Seastock science team, which has further ignited her passion for the ocean and participating in work which will benefit the state of our climate. Working towards a more positive future for all.