Sustainability & Research
Science in Service of the Ocean
Phycogel's cultivation model is built on the premise that marine biomass production should restore, not deplete. Our research programme advances both commercial yield and ecosystem health.
Our Commitment
A Net-Positive Marine Business
Seaweed cultivation is one of the few forms of aquaculture that requires no freshwater, no feed inputs, and no arable land. When managed responsibly, it actively sequesters carbon, oxygenates coastal waters, and provides habitat structure for juvenile marine species. We have built our business around maximising these co-benefits while delivering consistent commercial supply.
No Feed, No Freshwater
Our cultivation systems draw nutrients directly from ambient seawater. There are no feed inputs, no fertilisers, and no freshwater abstraction at any cultivation site.
Carbon Sequestration
Macroalgae fix atmospheric CO₂ during growth. We measure and report carbon uptake across all cultivation sites as part of our annual environmental disclosure.
Coastal Ecosystem Support
Longline and net structures provide substrate and shelter for invertebrates and juvenile fish. We conduct annual biodiversity surveys at each site.
Zero Discharge Processing
Process water from extraction is treated and recirculated. Biomass residues after extraction are composted or returned to cultivation sites as organic amendment.
2,400
tCO₂e
estimated annual carbon fixation across cultivation sites
0
kg
synthetic fertiliser or feed inputs used
94%
water recycled
process water recirculation rate at extraction facility
100%
renewable energy
electricity supply at processing facility
Peer-reviewed science underpins every cultivation decision
Research Programme
Advancing the Science of Red Macroalgae
Our in-house research team works alongside academic partners on strain improvement, cultivation optimisation, and novel bioactive characterisation. We publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and contribute data to open marine science databases.
Strain Improvement
Selective breeding and phenotypic screening programmes targeting higher polysaccharide yield, faster growth rate, and improved disease resistance in Gracilaria and Kappaphycus.
Cultivation Optimisation
Field trials and modelling work on stocking density, line spacing, harvest frequency, and seasonal rotation to maximise biomass yield per hectare while maintaining water quality.
Bioactive Characterisation
Structural and functional characterisation of sulphated polysaccharides, phycocolloids, and pigments from our cultivated species, with a focus on pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
Carbon Accounting
Development of site-specific carbon flux models for tropical and subtropical macroalgal cultivation, contributing to emerging blue carbon accounting frameworks.
Certifications & Standards
Verified at Every Level
ISO 9001:2015
Quality Management System — cultivation through dispatch
ASC-MSC Seaweed Standard
Sustainable cultivation and responsible sourcing
GMP (EU 2023/2006)
Food-contact materials processing facility
Organic Certification
Selected cultivation sites — EU and USDA NOP
ISO 14001:2015
Environmental Management System
FSSC 22000
Food safety management — extraction and packaging
Collaborate on Research
We welcome enquiries from academic institutions, NGOs, and industry partners interested in joint research, data sharing, or co-development of sustainable cultivation practices.