The onshore production model delivers more consistent biomass quality, higher yields and greater control over cultivation conditions, while minimising environmental impacts The Western Australian Government has granted an aquaculture licence…

The onshore production model delivers more consistent biomass quality, higher yields and greater control over cultivation conditions, while minimising environmental impacts

The Western Australian Government has granted an aquaculture licence to SeaStock Pty Ltd for the state’s first commercial-scale, land-based seaweed production facility, marking a significant milestone in the development of Australia’s algae-based bioeconomy.

The facility, currently under construction in Oakford, will focus on the cultivation of Asparagopsis, a red seaweed species increasingly recognised for its potential to reduce methane emissions from livestock and serve as a source of high-value compounds for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and personal care applications.

The licence, awarded by the Cook Labour Government, enables Fremantle-based SeaStock to commence the first phase of commercial production as demand for Asparagopsis-derived products continues to grow in domestic and international markets.

While Asparagopsis occurs naturally along the Western Australian coastline, SeaStock has developed a proprietary land-based cultivation system designed to overcome the challenges associated with offshore farming. According to the company, the onshore production model delivers more consistent biomass quality, higher yields and greater control over cultivation conditions, while minimising environmental impacts.

Beyond its well-known application as a livestock feed additive to reduce methane emissions, Asparagopsis contains natural compounds with potential antibacterial, antiviral, anti-ageing, anti-allergy and collagen-promoting properties. These bioactive ingredients are attracting growing interest from the food and beverage, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

Using patented extraction technologies, SeaStock produces high-purity compounds from Asparagopsis for use across a range of sectors, including agriculture, meat and dairy production, skincare and health products.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been working with SeaStock since 2024 to facilitate aquaculture trials and support the development of a regulatory framework for scalable algae cultivation in the state.

Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said the licence highlights Western Australia’s commitment to fostering innovation in sustainable aquaculture.

“Algae aquaculture is an exciting, emerging sector and I applaud SeaStock for their leadership and investment in Western Australia,” Jarvis said.

“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.”

The project is expected to contribute to regional economic development, create new employment opportunities and strengthen Western Australia’s position in the rapidly expanding global market for sustainable algae-derived ingredients.