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.

About the AMC Marketing Program

Funded through the AMC’s Market Development grant component, the Alaska Mariculture Alliance (AMA) and Southeast Conference (SEC) have launched a robust marketing program to increase awareness, demand, and long-term market opportunities for Alaska’s growing mariculture industry. The AMC Marketing Program is being advanced by Tastemaker Comms in partnership with Rising Tide Communications – two experienced firms with extensive backgrounds in seafood marketing, brand development, and campaign execution.

About the Alaska Mariculture Cluster

In September 2022, Southeast Conference was awarded a $49 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to stimulate private investment and grow Alaska’s mariculture industry to $100 million in sales in 10 years.  The Alaska Mariculture Cluster grant involves a large coalition of state agencies, Tribes, non-profits, and others working together over a five year period ending May 2027.