New technical report presents an overview of kelp processing technologies, key market trends, and regulatory considerations to inform product development efforts.

On behalf of the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC), Southeast Conference (SEC) contracted with Spencer Serin of Marine Biologics (formerly Spoitz Enterprises) to produce a report on Alaska kelp processing that provides up-to-date information for those engaged in primary or secondary kelp processing. This report fits into the AMC Research and Development grant component, with the goal of informing product development efforts with Alaska kelp.

This document is intended to provide a modern perspective on processing methods, regulatory compliance, and registration steps for kelp products to permit entry into more high-value or specialized markets. The content is specifically focused on supporting the growing Alaska seaweed industry and product development activities in the United States; however, the techniques may be applicable globally.

Currently, most Alaska kelp is sold into minimally processed food-related markets, but there is a lot of potential in more specialized markets such as food additives, cosmetics, dietary supplements, animal feeds, and biostimulants. However, processing kelp and manufacturing products in accordance with regulations can be unintuitive for those new to product development. This report helps fill this and other knowledge gaps to contribute to efforts to expand the markets for Alaska kelp.

The report is composed of four sections. Section 1 provides an introduction to kelp markets, the key chemical compounds in kelp, and the range of kelp product types. Section 2 describes processing methods and technologies used to stabilize kelp and manufacture various products. Section 3 summarizes the requirements for describing, manufacturing, and marketing products to meet regulations. Section 4 discusses the future of the kelp product development in Alaska and beyond.

About Spencer Serin, Ph.D. & Marine Biologics

Spencer Serin holds PhD in chemistry and co-founded Spoitz Enterprises, a company offering seaweed consulting and processing services.  Spoitz was acquired by Marine Biologics in November 2024. Marine Biologics is a biomaterials business building products from macroalgae, using prediction engines and green chemistry to drive innovation in food, beverage and beyond.

Background

Southeast Conference (SEC) is the federally designated Economic Development District (EDD) for Southeast Alaska, as well as the state designated Alaska Regional Development Organization. SEC’s mission is to undertake and support activities that promote strong economies, sustainable communities, and a healthy environment in Southeast Alaska.

In September 2022, Southeast Conference was awarded a $49 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) grant to catalyze a viable and sustainable mariculture industry in Alaska, supporting the production of shellfish and seaweed, for the long-term benefit of the state’s economy, environment, and communities.

SEC leads the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) grant coalition, which includes members of Alaska’s mariculture industry, tribal organizations, regulatory agencies, university system, regional EDDs, trade organizations, and others. A Governance Body, composed of AMC coalition leaders and Tribal executives from each of the project regions, guides the grant’s work and equity metrics.

The AMC has complementary grant components designed to break down barriers and develop Alaska’s mariculture industry.  The Overarching Narrative explains how the grant components work together to grow the industry in an equitable and responsible manner. The full project period for the AMC BBBRC project is October 1, 2022 to September 30th, 2026.