Fremantle Seaweed has secured $2.3 million in seed funding to scale commercial production of Asparagopsis, a native red seaweed proven to cut cattle methane emissions by over 80%. The capital raise positions the company to supply Australia's beef and dairy industries with a science-backed climate solution grown entirely in the ocean.
Livestock methane accounts for approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, exceeding emissions from planes, ships, and rail transport combined. The world's largest meat and dairy companies emit more climate-warming methane than all EU and U.K. countries combined, yet face no mandatory emissions reporting. With the IPCC recommending a 40% to 45% reduction in global methane emissions by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, practical solutions are urgently needed.
Ocean farming is gaining traction as a scalable climate tool. Blue economy venture capital funding has grown sevenfold over eight years, with investment projected to reach $3 billion in 2025. Unlike conventional agriculture, seaweed farming requires no freshwater, fertilizers, or arable land. Research shows seaweed farms can absorb an average of 1.87 tons of carbon dioxide during each annual growth cycle, with global cultivation potentially sequestering 140 million tons of CO2 annually through 2050.
Asparagopsis seaweed works by inhibiting methyl-coenzyme reductase, an enzyme in methane-producing microbes living in cattle rumens. Recent peer-reviewed studies demonstrate reductions exceeding 80%. The supplement can also improve feed conversion efficiency by up to 7%, meaning less feed is required to produce the same weight gain.
Fremantle Seaweed operates in Western Australia's unique marine environment where warm and cold currents enable year-round cultivation of both Asparagopsis taxiformis and Asparagopsis armata. The company has developed integrated infrastructure including high-density longline systems, modular hatchery units, and a purpose-built harvesting vessel. Its North-West Hub, a 3,000-hectare site under development, is designed to supply a significant portion of demand from Australia's dairy and feedlot operators once operational.
The company partnered with FutureFeed, the global intellectual property rights holder for Asparagopsis use in livestock feed, marking a strategic step toward commercial licensing.
Fremantle Seaweed is preparing a 400-day Wagyu feedlot trial involving 60 head of cattle to generate real-world performance and emissions data under commercial feeding conditions.
"Cattle farmers face mounting pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity, and many are looking for solutions that make economic sense," said Chris De Cuyper, co-founder and managing director of Fremantle Seaweed. "The Australian red meat industry has committed to carbon neutrality by 2030. By scaling Asparagopsis cultivation in the ocean, we're providing producers with a tool that addresses both climate targets and farm economics. Market research shows one in four consumers will pay up to 15% more for carbon neutral beef, creating a clear value proposition for early adopters."
The transition from pilot-scale activity to commercial manufacturing represents a significant development for Australia's capacity to deliver large-volume methane-reduction solutions to agriculture. As sustainable food systems gain urgency globally, ocean-based cultivation is emerging as a practical pathway that supports climate action, marine biodiversity, and economic opportunity simultaneously.
About Fremantle Seaweed
Fremantle Seaweed are a team of seafarers and scientists who are passionate about ocean conservation and fighting climate change. The Western Australian company is pioneering ocean cultivation of Asparagopsis seaweed — a natural feed ingredient scientifically proven to reduce methane emissions from cattle by over 80%. By combining marine science with practical farming partnerships, Fremantle Seaweed is creating a new blue-economy industry that strengthens regional economies, supports farmers, and contributes to global climate solutions. Learn more at fremantleseaweed.com.
Media Contact
Ann Murphy
media@fremantleseaweed.com
