Friend of the Sea has recognised Azores-based seaExpert for its sustainable seaweed production.
Packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids, seaweed has potential for both human health and for the planet. seaExpert was founded in 2003 and supplies clients with algae biomass for various uses including cosmetics, supplements, livestock feed and scientific research.
“Seaweed production has boomed in the last years,” said Paolo Bray, founder and director of Friend of the Sea. “Supporting companies involved in this emerging and promising sector to implement sustainable practices is crucial.”
The Azores has a natural abundance of numerous algae species. seaExpert identified the benefits of each specimen and is now licensed to harvest nine different species of algae using sustainable techniques which have a minimal impact on the marine ecosystem.
The seaweed is harvested manually through scuba diving within seasons with the highest bioavailability rates. The algae are dried in green houses or solar dryers and monitored throughout the whole process.
“The protection of the ecosystem through sustainable practices is at the core of our company,” said a seaExpert spokesperson. “Achieving the Friend of the Sea certification represents a milestone as well as an encouragement to continue working,” they added.
