High tech seaweed industry set to soar as scientists converge on Canberra
CANBERRA, March 22, 2024: Representatives of Australia’s dynamic new seaweed industry joined hundreds of innovative scientists, academics, business, and other STEM leaders at the two-day Science Meets Parliament event in Canberra. (March 21-22).
Led by peak body the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA), the delegation comprising senior scientists and other ASSA board members met with policymakers to discuss the need for additional early support for the ground-breaking, fast-growing seaweed sector.
The CEO of ASSA, Lindsay Hermes, said the national gathering of STEM leaders gave the newly formed industry association the opportunity to update key ministers, their offices, and departments on exciting developments in the field, including in the use of red seaweed to mitigate agricultural emissions of methane.
"I am delighted that we were able to bring our ASSA board and wider world class technical ASSA team from right around the country to Canberra to advocate with one voice, to share updates on our environmental methane abatement solutions for agriculture, and to engage with key decision makers on the regional jobs, economic growth and significant scaling opportunities that our high-tech sector presents," Mr Hermes said.
"Thanks to existing funding being delivered by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and enabled by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senator the Hon Murray Watt, we have established hubs for our National Hatchery Network in Adelaide and Townsville and are now conducting critical industry-wide R&D collaboration.
"However, this is just the start of our journey and with the right supports in the early years, the Australian seaweed sector could provide diverse and innovative solutions to address some of the most critical issues facing society including climate change, food security, recycling and the circular economy, and contribute upwards of 9000 jobs and $1.5 billion of GVP in the next 15-20 years alone. We can continue lay the foundations today for a sustainable, self-sufficient and highly skilled sector for the future."
An annual highlight on the parliamentary calendar, Science Meets Parliament gives STEM leaders an unrivalled opportunity to engage effectively with Members of Parliament and their advisers. This year’s event featured prominent guests and speakers including Minister for Industry and Science the Hon Ed Husic MP, Chief Scientist Cathy Foley, Nobel laureate Professor Brian Schmidt and the US Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
MEDIA CONTACT
Cathy Osmond
Horizon Communication Group
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About ASSA
The peak body for the commercial seaweed industry in Australia, the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance comprises 10 corporate members across six states. ASSA’s mission is to help grow the industry sustainably, scaling up the environmentally responsible commercial farming of seaweed to provide food, feed and bioproducts. The alliance’s founding partners are CH4 Global, the University of Tasmania, FutureFeed and the Australian Seaweed institute. For more information visit seaweedalliance.org.au
