How an Innovative Australian Seaweed Farm is Reducing Livestock Emissions and Fighting Climate Change

Off the coast of Tasmania, a game-changing seaweed crop is making waves. This isn’t just any seaweed; it’s asparagopsis, a native red seaweed that could help reduce methane emissions from livestock significantly. The underwater farm, which spans 1,800 hectares in the Tasman Sea near Triabunna, requires no fertilizers or irrigation, making it an eco-friendly option.

Research shows that adding asparagopsis to livestock feed can cut methane emissions by as much as 95%. Fran Cowley, a professor at Australia’s University of New England, highlights that over 40 studies support this impressive figure. With livestock and manure management accounting for over 32% of human-related methane emissions, this solution could help address a major climate issue.

Methane is far more potent than carbon dioxide regarding its warming effect—about 80 times more potent over 20 years. Although it doesn’t linger in the atmosphere as long as carbon dioxide, reducing methane is crucial for quick climate action.

Cowley conducted a lengthy trial where livestock that received asparagopsis saw their emissions drop by half over 200 days. This improvement is a leap from earlier research that showed a reduction of 28% in a Japanese herd. The seaweed’s organic compound, bromoform, plays a key role by altering the digestive process, limiting methane production during digestion.

Interestingly, despite some concerns about bromoform’s potential hazards, studies confirm it doesn’t accumulate in the meat or milk of animals, ensuring safety for consumers. “All the studies have shown no accumulation or impact on taste and quality,” Cowley adds.

Sea Forest, the company behind this innovative farming method, produces supplements from asparagopsis in various forms. Sam Elsom, the founder, shifted from textiles to seaweed farming to make agriculture sustainable without burdening farmers or consumers with additional costs. They grow the seaweed both in the ocean and in land-based ponds, allowing greater control over its growth conditions.

Sea Forest is already collaborating with dairy producers in Tasmania and has made strides in securing partnerships with brands like Morrisons in the UK. While the environmental promise is immense, Elsom emphasizes the need for financial support and incentives for farmers to adopt these practices sustainably. “The ocean, covering 71% of Earth, is an incredible resource,” he notes, highlighting that seaweed can grow up to 30 times faster than traditional crops without any extra inputs like fertilizers or pesticides.

The push for sustainable agriculture is gaining traction. In social media trends, many are celebrating green practices and advocating for innovation in farming. With climate challenges looming, solutions like asparagopsis could be vital in transforming how we think about livestock farming and its environmental footprint.

As we look to the future, harnessing natural resources like seaweed could play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change while promoting food security. For more information on the benefits of seaweed and its impact on climate change, check out the [U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization](http://www.fao.org/).

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seaweed, emissions, agriculture, environment, greenhouse gasses, climate change, Australia