Research Projects

Many of New Zealand's waterways are heavily impacted by nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from farms, severely affecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems. AgriSea was proud to be part of a pioneering pilot project testing whether seaweed could help solve this problem. In partnership with the University of Waikato, land-based tanks were established to treat water from the polluted Waihou River using native Ulva australis (sea lettuce). The trial demonstrated remarkable results, with the seaweed removing up to 90% of nitrogen from the river water.

AgriSea, in partnership with Scion, is pioneering the creation of nanocellulose, a groundbreaking hydrogel derived from the waste stream of our seaweed biostimulant process. This innovative material transforms our spent seaweed into a high-value, sustainable resource with potential applications across biomedical engineering, wound care, cosmetics, drug delivery, electronics and more. In 2025, we opened a dedicated nanocellulose facility at our headquarters in Paeroa, producing bleached and unbleached cellulose microsheets.

AgriSea has long focused on using seaweed to support agriculture and horticulture, but its potential reaches far beyond these industries, from high-value functional foods and medicines to advanced materials and environmental solutions for our communities. By working closely with universities, research institutes and scientists around the world, we are exploring new ways to unlock seaweed's unique bioactive compounds, sequester unwanted nutrients, and use waste streams to create a bio-circular economy.

AgriSea was proud to host the Rere Ki Uta, Rere Ki Tai farming research project, partnering with 10 Waikato and Bay of Plenty farms to explore regenerative practices that honour Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) and enhance the mana and mauri of soil. The project brought together farmers, tāngata whenua, scientists, rural advisors, and technical experts to trial innovative land-use systems, including AgriSea's seaweed-based biostimulants, while monitoring soil, animal, ecological, cultural, social and economic outcomes.

AgriSea is proud to partner with the Sea to Soil Resilience Network, a US based initiative scaling the use of farmed kelp as a soil biostimulant across American farmland. Backed by growing scientific evidence, this partnership aims to reduce synthetic fertiliser use, improve soil health, increase crop resilience under climate stress, and build healthier soils while lowering input costs and storing carbon. The network connects kelp farmers, scientists and agricultural communities to coordinate field trials, share knowledge and grow reliable supply chains.