There is a red seaweed growing naturally in Seychelles that might just help fight climate change and now we’re calling on Seychellois innovators and entrepreneurs to start farming it.
Asparagopsis taxiformis is a remarkable seaweed. When a small amount is added to the feed of cows, sheep or goats, it can cut their methane emissions by more than 80%. Since this methane from livestock is responsible for about 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, this seaweed has a huge potential to help slow down climate change and therefore has gained massive attention worldwide. Companies in Australia, the United States, and Europe are already investing millions in scaling up Asparagopsis aquaculture to supply global feed markets.
The Aquaculture Department at the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) recently published the first-ever scientific study looking at the potential for Asparagopsis farming right here in Seychelles. We wanted to find out: can the local strain of Asparagopsis grow fast enough in our warm waters?
The results surprised us.
Our team ran controlled growth trials on Asparagopsis collected from around Mahé. Despite literature suggesting the species stops growing above 25°C, we found that the Seychellois strain grew steadily—even at 32°C. With the right acclimation, it achieved daily growth rates of over 4%. That’s a promising number, especially considering that these were early trials under simple lab conditions. The takeaway is clear: the local strain is not only growing, it’s likely adapted to our climate, giving Seychelles a potential edge over other countries.
So, what now?
We believe the time is right to explore small-scale pilot farms for Asparagopsis in Seychelles. If you are someone looking for a sustainable business opportunity, this could be your moment. We are inviting local individuals, cooperatives, and businesses to reach out to us at the Aquaculture Department. We can provide technical guidance and help assess the feasibility of getting started. Let’s be clear: this won’t be an overnight success story. But with the right partners, Seychelles could become a regional leader in climate-smart seaweed farming.
Want to learn more or express interest?
Contact the SFA Aquaculture Department at aquaculture@sfa.sc or call 4670 300.
Let’s grow something that matters.