Seaweed farms off the coast of Tasmania, Australia, are demonstrating their potential in reducing methane emissions from livestock in 2025. These underwater farms cultivate asparagopsis, a native red seaweed rich in bromoform, across 1,800 hectares in the Tasman Sea.
Research indicates that incorporating asparagopsis into livestock feed can significantly decrease methane emissions. A 200-day experiment in Queensland showed a 50% reduction in emissions from cattle fed the seaweed supplement, compared to those without it. Some studies have even suggested reductions of up to 90%.
Companies like Sea Forest, founded by Sam Elsom, produce seaweed-based feed supplements such as oils and pellets. They collaborate with companies like Ashgrove and Grill'd to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Sea Forest is also expanding its reach to East Africa, aiming to implement its feed supplements in Uganda and Kenya in 2025, targeting 30,000 cattle across 15 farms. Asparagopsis grows rapidly and doesn't require irrigation or fertilizers, offering a sustainable solution for food security.