Friend of the Sea certifies sustainable seaweed producer

seaExpert, a fisheries services and consultancy firm based in the Azores in Portugal, are now permitted to display the Friend of the Sea label, certifying its commitment to using sustainable marine practices.

“The protection of the ecosystem through sustainable practices is at the core of our company,”​ comments a spokesperson for seaExpert.

“Achieving the Friend of the Sea certification represents a milestone as well as an encouragement to continue working.”​

Nine algae types ​

Currently, seaExpert is licensed to harvest nine types of algae species that includes the species Asparagopsis armata​ and Asparagopsis taxiformis.​

Another species, Padina pavonica​ is commonly used in human nutrition, cosmetics and pharmaceutical due to its rich nutritional profile and high antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal activity.

Describing the manufacturing process, seaExpert explains that the seaweed is harvested manually through scuba diving within seasons with the highest bioavailability rates. Here, the most sustainable approaches are used here to preserve the region’s marine life ecosystem.

The algae are then dried in green houses or solar dryers, with staff on hand to monitor the whole process. Once dried, the seaweeds are carefully weighed, packed, and stored.

“Seaweed production has boomed in the last years,”​ adds Paolo Bray, Founder and Director of Friend of the Sea. “Supporting companies involved in this emerging and promising sector to implement sustainable practices is crucial.”​