SeaFree project to convert nutrients and CO2 from land-based shrimp and fish farming into high-value seaweed

Together with Aarhus University and a range of companies, researchers from the University of Copenhagen will develop the sustainable co-production of fish, shrimp and seaweed.

Over the next four years, they will work to further develop a closed, sustainable cycle on land that utilizes residual nutrients and CO2 from shrimp and fish farming to grow high-value seaweed for the food and healthcare industries. The project is called 'SeaFree'.

"The project aims to use seaweed production to absorb and convert emissions from land-based aquaculture into a high-value product. Among other things, the seaweed will be used for dietary supplements that can prevent diabetes and sustainable foodstuffs innovations. In addition to capturing emissions that would have otherwise been emitted into the atmosphere and aquatic environment, the seaweed produced is both healthy and rich in umami flavour," said Professor Marianne Thomsen from the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen.

The project, funded by Innovation Fund Denmark with DKK 14.4 million (US$2.1 million), is being carried out in a collaboration among the companies Pure Algae, DryingMate, Food Diagnostics, Sigrid Therapeutics, XOventure GmbH/Rigi Care, KOST, SOF Odden Caviar and HanseGarnelen.

The project’s starting point is a 40ft container setup equipped with eight one-thousand-liter tanks. The container solution is a so-called 'Plug'n'Play' technology with great export potential. By combining salt water, CO2 and nutrients with LED lights, the unit can produce a full batch of seaweed in just one week, resulting in an extremely short harvest period.

"SeaFree represents the latest in recycling technology for land-based shrimp and fish farming," continued Thomsen. "Besides capturing emissions, the system also recirculates surplus heat from the plants to the Plug'n'Play technology. The project includes the development of a new technology that makes it possible to use surplus heat to dry the seaweed which is then sold to the healthcare industry. In this way, SeaFree contributes to a more sustainable and efficient production process."  

The final product consists of climate-friendly fish, shrimp and sea lettuce – a healthy, fiber and protein-rich seaweed species. In addition to the production of various dietary supplements, sea lettuce is also used as an edible accompaniment when people buy seafood.

"Part of the project is also about developing recipes that increase awareness of seaweed as an ingredient for delicious home-cooked meals," added Thomsen.

According to Thomsen, there is huge potential in farming fish and seaweed in the manner envisioned by SeaFree. If all of the world's land-based shrimp and fish farms implemented the method, it could significantly reduce the CO2 footprint of global food systems.

As such, the combination of aquaculture and seaweed cultivation in closed systems may well develop into a new Danish export market.

"On a global level, it will be possible to implement the technology, marketed as 'SeaFree Synergy Solutions', anywhere in the world. As for the technology’s environmental benefits, they are unequivocal. "We are already in contact with South Korea, which is very interested in the technology and the project’s development," she concluded.