Australian seaweed trade association formed; Zalg launches seaweed sticks

SeafoodSource is closely following the sustainable seafood movement by compiling a regular round-up of sector updates about sustainability initiatives and certifications.

-Brittany, France-based food and beverage manufacturing company ZALG has begun selling crispy seaweed sticks made from locally grown French seaweed. 

The seaweed sticks are composed of a blend of locally-grown seaweed and macroalgae coated with a thin layer of breadcrumbs, according to Vegconomist.

“We are creating a new realm of possibilities in the use of seaweed in cooking to meet the current demands for a healthy, delicious, and sustainable diet,” ZALG Co-Founder Tanguy Gestin said. 

The seaweed sticks are made intended for use in commercial foodservice, and can be ready in as little as 90 seconds using a fryer. 

“We are working to make seaweed an ingredient of our French culinary heritage by positioning it at the centre of the plate, from Michelin-starred restaurants to everyday dishes,” ZALG Co-Founder Vincent Lacaze said. 

- The port of San Diego, California, U.S.A. has seen an outbreak of caulerpa prolifera, an invasive seaweed that can overtake native plants, impacting habitats.

Port authorities said more than USD 92,000 (EUR 85,000) has been spent on eradication efforts.  to date. Local authorities have issued a public warning not to drain saltwater aquariums in area waterways, according to Fox 5 San Diego.

California law makes it illegal to posess, sell, or transport any Caulerpa seaweed, punishable by a penalty of between USD 500 to USD 10,000 (EUR 460 to EUR 9,200) fine. 

- The Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance has been created to serve as the official trade group representing the country's commercial seaweed industry. 

The Canberra, Australia-based organization will represent ten members across six states and will work to promote responsible farming, production, research, and biotechnology commercialization. 

“ASSA’s mission is to scale up environmentally responsible commercial farming of seaweed to provide food, feed and bioproducts. Development of seaweed cultivation at scale is the single biggest opportunity for rapid industry growth and optimising social and environmental outcomes,” ASSA Chair Jo Kelly said in a release.

CH4 Global, the University of Tasmania, FutureFeed and the Australian Seaweed Institute are the founding partners for the alliance. Additional members include AusKelp, CleanEyre Global, Fremantle Seaweed, Harvest Road, Pacific Bio, Tassal, and Sea Forest. 

“ASSA’s team is growing by the day, and we are in Canberra to meet key policymakers and stakeholders and thank them for their ongoing support, which will be critical if we are to continue to capitalise on the enormous potential of this significant new Australian industry,” ASSA General Manager Lindsay Hermes said. 

Photo courtesy of Zalg