Conference Program
Conference Program
Seagriculture Asia-Pacific
18 - 20 March 2025
Adelaide, Australia
Conference Program
Seagriculture Asia-Pacific 2025: Future proofing the seaweed industry
The theme of Seagriculture Asia-Pacific 2025, Future proofing the seaweed industry, encapsulates the moment the industry finds itself in: at the cusp of turning significant scientific potential into enduring, scalable success, including for agriculture and for the environment. This speaks to the industry's need to innovate and adapt to an evolving landscape, where sustainability, technology and growing demand intersect.
It calls on stakeholders across the Asia-Pacific region, and the world more broadly, to share knowledge and harness collective expertise to build a resilient, future-ready seaweed industry that can deliver for both regional economies and regional communities, including first nations communities. By addressing pressing challenges and capitalising on emerging opportunities, this theme fosters a collaborative approach to ensuring the industry thrives well into the future.
Download the conference program here.
Program is tentative and subject to changes.
Site visit: Tuesday 18 March 2025
Join us for a tour of some of the most exciting exclusive experiences Adelaide and South Australia have to offer.
As part of the site visit, you will get the chance to:
- Hear from some of the South Australian Research & Development Institute’s top seaweed scientists and see their work up close
- Speak to a Ngarrindjeri Elder about how sustainable, traditional fishing practices support a balanced ecosystem, and see a demonstration from local community business, Kuti Co
- Sample some of South Australia’s finest and freshest seafood at the Kuti Shack, a stunning restaurant nestled in the sandhills at Goolwa Beach
- Meet and network with many of your fellow Seagriculture attendees ahead of the official conference
Moderator of the conference
Catriona Macleod, Professor in Environmental Interactions and Sustainable Ecosystem Management, University of Tasmania; Program Leader (Sustainable Marine Resources), Marine Bioproducts CRC; Board Member Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA), Australia
Catriona Macleod, Professor in Environmental Interactions and Sustainable Ecosystem Management, University of Tasmania; Program Leader (Sustainable Marine Resources), Marine Bioproducts CRC; Board Member Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA), Australia
Conference Day 1: Wednesday 19 March 2025
8:00 - 9:00 Welcome Coffee
9:00 - 9:25 Opening of the Conference
Jo Kelly, Founder & CEO, Australian Seaweed Institute & Chair, Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance, Australia
Welcome to Country
Jo Kelly, Founder & CEO, Australian Seaweed Institute & Chair, Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance, Australia
Welcome to Country
9:45 - 10:05: Keynote Presentation
Enteric Methane: The opportunity to make an impact on global warming starting today
Steve Meller, CEO, CH4Global, USA
9:45 - 10:05: Keynote Presentation
Enteric Methane: The opportunity to make an impact on global warming starting today
Steve Meller, CEO, CH4Global, USA
10:05 - 10:55 Session 1: Seaweeds for climate change mitigation and adaptation
As seaweeds can absorb significant amounts of CO2, they have attracted global attention given their potential for climate change mitigation. But can seaweeds' contribution to climate change mitigation be enhanced at globally meaningful scales? And if so, how to execute this in practice?
As seaweeds can absorb significant amounts of CO2, they have attracted global attention given their potential for climate change mitigation. But can seaweeds' contribution to climate change mitigation be enhanced at globally meaningful scales? And if so, how to execute this in practice?
Moderator
Moderator
Prof Tim Flannery, Australian climate change leader
Panelist
Prof Catriona L. Hurd, Professor of Seaweed, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Australia
Panelist
Jo Kelly, Founder & CEO, Australian Seaweed Institute & Chair, Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance, Australia
Panelist
Steve Meller, CEO, CH4Global, USA
Panelist
Prof Emeritus Rocky de Nys, Chief Scientific Officer, Sea Forest, Australia
Moderator
Prof Tim Flannery, Australian climate change leader
Panelist
Prof Catriona L. Hurd, Professor of Seaweed, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Australia
Panelist
Jo Kelly, Founder & CEO, Australian Seaweed Institute & Chair, Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance, Australia
Panelist
Steve Meller, CEO, CH4Global, USA
Panelist
Prof Emeritus Rocky de Nys, Chief Scientific Officer, Sea Forest, Australia
10:55 - 11:25 Coffee Break / Trade Show
11:25 - 12:45 Session 2: Policy, Regulation, and Governance
In this session various non-technical aspects of seaweed cultivation will be discussed, including the process of acquiring cultivation licenses, and planning, management and funding of seaweed aquaculture.
In this session various non-technical aspects of seaweed cultivation will be discussed, including the process of acquiring cultivation licenses, and planning, management and funding of seaweed aquaculture.
11:25 - 11:45: Australian Government’s role in the seaweed industry
11:25 - 11:45: Australian Government’s role in the seaweed industry
Lleidan Hunter, Senior Policy Offer, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF), Australia
11:25 - 11:45: Australian Government’s role in the seaweed industry
Dr. Naidu Bodapati, Assistant Director, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Australia
11:45 - 12:05: Adapting regulation and government functions to support sustainable seaweed aquaculture
Dianne Maynard, Specialist Advisor (Emerging Marine Industries), Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Tasmania Australia
12:05 - 12:25: Restorative practices for environmental, social and economic gains
Heidi Alleway, Senior Aquaculture Scientist, The Nature Conservancy, Australia
12:25 - 12:45: Seaweed based Agri Regulatory Norms in India
Vipin Saini, CEO, Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI), India
11:25 - 11:45: Australian Government’s role in the seaweed industry
11:25 - 11:45: Australian Government’s role in the seaweed industry
Lleidan Hunter, Senior Policy Offer, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF), Australia
11:25 - 11:45: Australian Government’s role in the seaweed industry
Dr. Naidu Bodapati, Assistant Director, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Australia
11:45 - 12:05: Adapting regulation and government functions to support sustainable seaweed aquaculture
Dianne Maynard, Specialist Advisor (Emerging Marine Industries), Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Tasmania Australia
12:05 - 12:25: Restorative practices for environmental, social and economic gains
Heidi Alleway, Senior Aquaculture Scientist, The Nature Conservancy, Australia
12:25 - 12:45: Seaweed based Agri Regulatory Norms in India
Vipin Saini, CEO, Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI), India
12:45 - 13:00 Exhibitor Showcase: Introduction of Trade Show Participants
13:00 - 14:15 Lunch / Trade Show
14:15 - 14:35: Keynote Presentation (Recorded): Phyconomy 101: The elegance and legacy of Kathleen Drew’s seminal work on Porphyra sensu lato the raw materials for nori (Japanese: 海苔, Chinese: 海苔; pinyin: hǎitāi, Korean: 김, kim or gim)
Dr Alan T. Critchley, Research Associate, Verschuren Centre, Canada
14:15 - 14:35: Keynote Presentation (Recorded): Phyconomy 101: The elegance and legacy of Kathleen Drew’s seminal work on Porphyra sensu lato the raw materials for nori (Japanese: 海苔, Chinese: 海苔; pinyin: hǎitāi, Korean: 김, kim or gim)
Dr Alan T. Critchley, Research Associate, Verschuren Centre, Canada
14:35 - 15:25 Session 3: Panel discussion on seaweed investments and business aspects in Asia-Pacific
During this session, seaweed business and investment experts will share their vision on the seaweed industry in the Asia Pacific region, on needs and expectations, and on what the next steps should be.
During this session, seaweed business and investment experts will share their vision on the seaweed industry in the Asia Pacific region, on needs and expectations, and on what the next steps should be.
Moderator
Marni Oaten, Executive Director, OCTES, Australia
Panelist
Nick Hill, Co-founder & CEO, Coast 4C, Australia
Panelist
Alexia Akbay, CEO, Symbrosia, Hawaii/USA
Panelist
Ivan Ivanov, Global Lead for Sustainable Protein Advisory Services, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Vietnam
Panelist
Arnav Mariwala, Founder & CEO, MariTide Aquatech LLP, India
Moderator
Marni Oaten, Executive Director, OCTES, Australia
Panelist
Nick Hill, Co-founder & CEO, Coast 4C, Australia
Panelist
Alexia Akbay, CEO, Symbrosia, Hawaii/USA
Panelist
Ivan Ivanov, Global Lead for Sustainable Protein Advisory Services, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Vietnam
Panelist
Arnav Mariwala, Founder & CEO, MariTide Aquatech LLP, India
15:25 - 15:55 Coffee Break / Trade Show
15:55 - 17:15 Session 4: Seaweed farming 2.0
Seaweed farming 2.0 refers to applying smart farming techniques to reduce the costs of seaweed farming and to increase production yields. During this session experts will discuss different aspects of this topic.
Seaweed farming 2.0 refers to applying smart farming techniques to reduce the costs of seaweed farming and to increase production yields. During this session experts will discuss different aspects of this topic.
15:55 - 16:15: Building the Tropical Seaweed Industry of the Future
Simon Davis, Founder, SEADLING, Malaysia
16:15 - 16:35: Cost Reductions in Offshore Seaweed: What Matters and What Doesn‘t
Nate Baker, Ocean Engineer, Kelson Marine, USA
16:35 - 16:55: Large scale farming of Tropical Eucheumatoid seaweeds
Nelson Vadassery, Cofounder & CEO, Sea6 Energy, India
16:55 - 17:15: Enabling a global sustainable seaweed industry
Kim Kristensen, Founder and CEO, Arctic Seaweed AS
15:55 - 16:15: Building the Tropical Seaweed Industry of the Future
Simon Davis, Founder, SEADLING, Malaysia
16:15 - 16:35: Cost Reductions in Offshore Seaweed: What Matters and What Doesn‘t
Nate Baker, Ocean Engineer, Kelson Marine, USA
16:35 - 16:55: Large scale farming of Tropical Eucheumatoid seaweeds
Nelson Vadassery, Cofounder & CEO, Sea6 Energy, India
16:55 - 17:15: Enabling a global sustainable seaweed industry
Kim Kristensen, Founder and CEO, Arctic Seaweed AS
17:15 - 17:50 Seaweed Elevator Pitches
The Seaweed Elevator Pitches offer a unique, fast-paced, and diverse session where presenters have five minutes to deliver a concise, impactful presentation on their activities and innovative ideas. All topics are possible as long as they deal with seaweeds.
The Seaweed Elevator Pitches offer a unique, fast-paced, and diverse session where presenters have five minutes to deliver a concise, impactful presentation on their activities and innovative ideas. All topics are possible as long as they deal with seaweeds.
CREST Project Indonesia: Improvement of Eucheumatoid Seed Production in Indonesia Through Gradual Selection and Good Aquaculture Practice
CREST Project Indonesia: Improvement of Eucheumatoid Seed Production in Indonesia Through Gradual Selection and Good Aquaculture Practice
Dr. Maya Puspita, Principal Investigator, CREST Project – S. Alga Indonesia, Indonesia
Importance of exploring wild populations of Eucheumatoids for sustainable seaweed industry in Indonesia
Eka Sunarwidhi Prasedya, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Mataram, Indonesia
Growing algae on top of the world
Philip James, Senior Scientist, Nofima, Norway
Beyond the Shoreline: The Cultural Significance of Seaweed in Indigenous Australian Traditions
Sarah Gorst, Co-Founder, South Coast Seaweed, Australia
Fremantle Seaweed: The Blueprint for Offshore Culitvation of Asparagopsis
Chris de Cuyper, Co-founder and CEO, Fremantle Seaweed Pty Ltd, Australia
Scaling seaweed production using Salmon farms in South East Tasmania?
Dr Shea Cameron, Asset and Planning Manager, Huon Aquaculture, Australia
CREST Project Indonesia: Improvement of Eucheumatoid Seed Production in Indonesia Through Gradual Selection and Good Aquaculture Practice
CREST Project Indonesia: Improvement of Eucheumatoid Seed Production in Indonesia Through Gradual Selection and Good Aquaculture Practice
Dr. Maya Puspita, Principal Investigator, CREST Project – S. Alga Indonesia, Indonesia
Importance of exploring wild populations of Eucheumatoids for sustainable seaweed industry in Indonesia
Eka Sunarwidhi Prasedya, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Mataram, Indonesia
Growing algae on top of the world
Philip James, Senior Scientist, Nofima, Norway
Beyond the Shoreline: The Cultural Significance of Seaweed in Indigenous Australian Traditions
Sarah Gorst, Co-Founder, South Coast Seaweed, Australia
Fremantle Seaweed: The Blueprint for Offshore Culitvation of Asparagopsis
Chris de Cuyper, Co-founder and CEO, Fremantle Seaweed Pty Ltd, Australia
Scaling seaweed production using Salmon farms in South East Tasmania?
Dr Shea Cameron, Asset and Planning Manager, Huon Aquaculture, Australia
17:50 - 18:00 Closing of Conference Day 1
Conference Dinner at the Rose Garden Pavilion
The perfect opportunity to network with the other conference delegates in an exclusive location while enjoying dinner together.
Welcome Remarks and Presenter of the inaugural Asia-Pacific Seaweed Industry Awards 2025
Lindsay Hermes, CEO, Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA), Australia
Welcome Remarks and Presenter of the Inaugural Asia-Pacific Seaweed Industry Awards 2025
Lindsay Hermes, CEO, Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA), Australia
During the conference dinner the following awards will be handed out:
- ASSA Seaweed Lifetime Achievement Award
- ASSA Seaweed Young Achiever of the Year
- Asia-Pacific Seaweed Award
Register now for Seagriculture Asia-Pacific 2025!
Conference Day 2: Thursday 20 March 2025
8:00 - 9:00 Welcome Coffee
9:00 - 9:10 Opening of Conference Day 2
9:10 - 9:30 Keynote Presentation:
A reality check on Asian seaweed markets
Steven Hermans, Consultant, Phyconomy, Belgium
9:10 - 9:30 Keynote Presentation:
A reality check on Asian seaweed markets
Steven Hermans, Consultant, Phyconomy, Belgium
9:30 - 10:30 Session 5: Value-added products and market opportunities
Everyone is aware of the use of seaweeds as hydrocolloids and in Asian cuisine. During this session we will hear about new, innovative applications for seaweeds in food and non-food applications.
Everyone is aware of the use of seaweeds as hydrocolloids and in Asian cuisine. During this session we will hear about new, innovative applications for seaweeds in food and non-food applications.
9:30 - 9:50: The Economic and Social Value from Marine Bioproducts
Daniel Abrahams, CEO, Marine Bioproducts CRC, Australia
9:50 - 10:10: Seaweed Biopolymers - Value Adding with Circular Products
Fionnuala Quin, Founder & CEO, Kelpy, Australia
10:10 - 10:30: Seaweed solutions looking for problems
Johan Svenson, Science Impact Manager, Cawthron Institute, New Zealand
9:30 - 9:50: The Economic and Social Value from Marine Bioproducts
Daniel Abrahams, CEO, Marine Bioproducts CRC, Australia
9:50 - 10:10: Seaweed Biopolymers - Value Adding with Circular Products
Fionnuala Quin, Founder & CEO, Kelpy, Australia
10:10 - 10:30: Seaweed solutions looking for problems
Johan Svenson, Science Impact Manager, Cawthron Institute, New Zealand
10:30 - 11:00 Coffee Break / Trade Show
11:00 - 12:00 Session 6: Seeding & breeding of seaweeds
Presentations from experts in the field of seeding and breeding of seaweeds. How to further increase production yields? Novel developments in seeding techniques. And more.
Presentations from experts in the field of seeding and breeding of seaweeds. How to further increase production yields? Novel developments in seeding techniques. And more.
11:00 - 11:20: Advancing Seaweed Cultivation in New Zealand: Greenwave Aotearoa's Journey and Vision for the Future
Ryan Marchington, Aquaculture Science and Operations Lead, Greenwave Aotearoa, New Zealand
11:20 - 11:40: To be announced
Phil Kerrison, Research specialist in red seaweed cultivation, Hortimare, The Netherlands
11:40 - 12:00: Kelp seedbanks: safeguarding genetic diversity and supporting aquaculture and restoration
Cayne Layton, Adjunct Rresearcher, Marine Ecologist, University of Tasmania, Blue Conservation Services, Australia
11:00 - 11:20: Advancing Seaweed Cultivation in New Zealand: Greenwave Aotearoa's Journey and Vision for the Future
Ryan Marchington, Aquaculture Science and Operations Lead, Greenwave Aotearoa, New Zealand
11:20 - 11:40: To be announced
Phil Kerrison, Research specialist in red seaweed cultivation, Hortimare, The Netherlands
11:40 - 12:00: Kelp seedbanks: safeguarding genetic diversity and supporting aquaculture and restoration
Cayne Layton, Adjunct Rresearcher, Marine Ecologist, University of Tasmania, Blue Conservation Services, Australia
12:00 - 12:35 Seaweed Elevator Pitches
The Seaweed Elevator Pitches offer a unique, fast-paced, and diverse session where presenters have five minutes to deliver a concise, impactful presentation on their activities and innovative ideas. All topics are possible as long as they deal with seaweeds.
The Seaweed Elevator Pitches offer a unique, fast-paced, and diverse session where presenters have five minutes to deliver a concise, impactful presentation on their activities and innovative ideas. All topics are possible as long as they deal with seaweeds.
Standards for new areas: A case study on standard AS 5404 Natural bromoform feed additives product quality Products derived from Asparagopsis
Monique English, Engagement Manager, Standards Australia
Labor saving seaweed cultivation using floatable block
Masaru Okamoto, President, Algae Culture Tec Corp., Japan
A novel system for cultivating seaweeds in the ocean
Dr Michael Rule, Principal Marine Ecologist, Drift Consulting, Australia
Development of cultivation methods for Bull Kelp Durvillaea spp.
Jeff Wright, Associate Professor, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Australia
Advancing Asparagopsis Hatcheries: Overcoming Challenges for Industry Growth
Dr. Manoj Kumar, Senior Research Fellow, Seaweed Tech Lead, Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC), Central Queensland University, Australia
Standards for new areas: A case study on standard AS 5404 Natural bromoform feed additives product quality Products derived from Asparagopsis
Monique English, Engagement Manager, Standards Australia
Labor saving seaweed cultivation using floatable block
Masaru Okamoto, President, Algae Culture Tec Corp., Japan
A novel system for cultivating seaweeds in the ocean
Dr Michael Rule, Principal Marine Ecologist, Drift Consulting, Australia
Development of cultivation methods for Bull Kelp Durvillaea spp.
Jeff Wright, Associate Professor, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Australia
Advancing Asparagopsis Hatcheries: Overcoming Challenges for Industry Growth
Dr. Manoj Kumar, Senior Research Fellow, Seaweed Tech Lead, Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC), Central Queensland University, Australia
12:35 - 13:50 Lunch / Trade Show
13:50 - 14:10: Keynote Presentation:
FutureFeed - Commercialising new products in emerging impact markets – a balancing act
Alex Baker, CEO, FutureFeed, Australia
13:50 - 14:10: Keynote Presentation:
FutureFeed - Commericialising new products in emerging impact markets – a balancing act
Alex Baker, CEO, FutureFeed, Australia
14:10 - 15:30 Session 7: Seaweed of the year 2025: Asparagopsis
During this session Asparagopsis, seaweed of the year 2025, will be in the spotlight. Experts will discuss the cultivation, processing and applications of this red seaweed species.
During this session Asparagopsis, seaweed of the year 2025, will be in the spotlight. Experts will discuss the cultivation, processing and applications of this red seaweed species.
14:10 - 14:30: The Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance: Supporting Australia’s seaweed industry through the Asparagopsis National Hatchery Network and development of a cultivation manual
14:10 - 14:30: The Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance: Supporting Australia’s seaweed industry through the Asparagopsis National Hatchery Network and development of a cultivation manual
Margie Rule, Senior Phycologist and Specialist Technical Consultant, Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance, Australia
14:30 - 14:50: Asparagopsis farming: key learnings and challenges to overcome
Leonardo Mata, Chief Scientist, Greener Grazing, Vietnam/Portugal
14:50 - 15:10: Building IP and Culture in an Emergent Market
Alexia Akbay, CEO, Symbrosia, Hawaii/USA
15:10 - 15:30: Advancements in Asparagopsis as an enteric methane inihibitor in beef feedlot diets
Breanna M. Roque, Animal Science Research Manager, FutureFeed, Australia
14:10 - 14:30: The Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance: Supporting Australia’s seaweed industry through the Asparagopsis National Hatchery Network and development of a cultivation manual
14:10 - 14:30: The Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance: Supporting Australia’s seaweed industry through the Asparagopsis National Hatchery Network and development of a cultivation manual
Margie Rule, Senior Phycologist and Specialist Technical Consultant, Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance, Australia
14:30 - 14:50: Asparagopsis farming: key learnings and challenges to overcome
Leonardo Mata, Chief Scientist, Greener Grazing, Vietnam/Portugal
14:50 - 15:10: Building IP and Culture in an Emergent Market
Alexia Akbay, CEO, Symbrosia, Hawaii/USA
15:10 - 15:30: Advancements in Asparagopsis as an enteric methane inihibitor in beef feedlot diets
Breanna M. Roque, Animal Science Research Manager, FutureFeed, Australia
15:30 - 15:40 Closing of the Conference
Register now for Seagriculture Asia-Pacific 2025!
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