Onboarding interview with SeaGrown
2024-08-15
1. Can you tell us something about your company?
Hey everyone! SeaGrown was founded to develop a new marine industry in the UK. Our team has created an end-to-end growing system for offshore seaweed farming. Located 7,5 kilometers (4 nautical miles) off the coast of Scarborough, our systems are designed to handle extreme offshore conditions, with waves reaching over ten meters and strong tidal currents. We automated not only our harvesting mechanisms, but the whole system, to work efficiently when weather conditions are favourable.
Next to that we educate with our expertise and knowledge. Sharing our ideas through an educational program can really help grow the sector and have a positive effect if applied well.
2. What is SeaGrown's biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge is operating in the harsh offshore conditions of the North Sea. We need to act quickly when the weather is right, which is why automation is crucial. Convincing people about the sustainability and potential of seaweed farming is also an ongoing effort.
3. What is your reason for choosing seaweed?
We chose seaweed because it’s a super crop! It grows fast, needs only the sun and sea, and benefits the marine environment by taking up carbon and releasing oxygen. Seaweed farming is sustainable and offers a wide range of uses, from food products to bioplastics. We even make our own products with seaweed like a beer, in cooperation with a local brewery. But also, seasonings, bath and body products and many more.
4. What does SeaGrown hope to find at North Sea Farmers? Why do you want to join North Sea Farmers?
SeaGrown joined the North Sea Farmers network to connect with others in the industry, share our innovations, and learn from their experiences. This collaboration helps us improve our practices and promote sustainable seaweed farming. Moreover, we believe that we can only make seaweed successful when the industry cooperates. We won’t tell the whole story, we want to be part of that story that we tell together.
