Nurturing a Sustainable Future: The Australian Seaweed Institute
In the quest for a more sustainable future, innovative solutions are emerging from various corners of the globe. One such solution is the Australian Seaweed Institute (ASI), a pioneering organization dedicated to harnessing the incredible potential of seaweed. As the world grapples with climate change, food security issues, and environmental degradation, the ASI offers a glimmer of hope by exploring the myriad benefits of this remarkable marine resource. At The Carbon Co., we look for success stories like these to support and share with the world.
Nutrient pollution - also known as eutrophication - occurs when excessive amounts of runoff nutrients lead to nocive algae blooms, low oxygen levels, and, eventually, ecosystem degradation. ASI grows seaweed along the Australian coast in strategic locations where excess nutrients are a problem. As seaweed grows, it takes up -or sequesters - carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus which improves water quality and provides a healthy habitat for marine life to flourish. By pulling out greenhouse gasses directly from the water, seaweed helps combat local impacts of ocean acidification. This innovative technology helps protect the Great Barrier Reef - the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem - from water pollution while building environmental and social resilience to climate change.
But this isn’t all. Seaweed farming also has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere. Red Asparagopsis, a special type of seaweed, can be used as cattle feed supplement to reduce methane emissions of cows by over 80%. This is particularly important given that cattle are the highest source of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and a single cow can belch on average 220 pounds of methane per year. Other types of seaweed grown by ASI can be used as biofertilizers to reduce soil and water pollution in a sustainable manner.
ASI’s Seaweed Biofilters are a great example of the types of projects that The Carbon Company is committed to supporting. That is, projects that directly reduce greenhouse gasses emissions and/or the amount of these gasses present in the atmosphere. Under our Speed, Scale and Inclusion investment criteria, we are looking for projects that:
can start delivering impact within 2 years and can reach 50% of its impact within 10 years,
have the potential to, either through scalability or transferability, significantly reduce emissions in key sectors of the economy, and
benefit communities disproportionately affected by climate change.
The Australian Seaweed Institute has already prototyped and tested its innovative solution, and plans to complete its first module implementation by the end of 2025. By 2032, ASI will have reached its impact goals to:
Remove 3,000 tonnes of nitrogen per year
Buffer ocean acidification by 7-12 years
Reduce 4 million tons of greenhouse gasses per year, the equivalent of 1% of Australia's total emissions
In addition to its significant environmental contributions, ASI also generates employment in the reef stewardship sector, contributing to the creation of decent work and economic growth.
The Australian Seaweed Institute is at the forefront of research and development in harnessing the potential of seaweed for a sustainable and prosperous future. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, seaweed's versatility and sustainability make it a valuable resource for various industries. By supporting initiatives like ASI and embracing nature-based solutions, Australia can play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient world. It's an exciting journey that holds the promise of a greener, healthier, and more prosperous future for all.