Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

This site is currently in beta, and your feedback is helping shape its ongoing development.

Proximate - Production of Macroalgae for Human Consumption in the Pacific Northwest

Published by Northwest Fisheries Science Center | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce | Metadata Last Checked: December 20, 2025 | Last Modified: 2019-05-29T00:00:00.000+00:00
This proposal will focus on the production of fresh macroalgae in a land-based system. This type of production system avoids the regulatory and permitting issues associated with water-based systems, allows precise control of the rearing environment, reduces harvesting and management costs, and reduces nutrient discharges. While macroalgae can enhance human health, specific information is needed to ensure that this product is wholesome and safe to consume. Very little information is available on the composition of farmed raised macroalgae, contaminant levels, bacterial content, and post-harvest quality issues. This research will focus on three local macroalgae: Turkish towel (Chondracanthus exasperatus), Pacific dulse (Palmaria palmata), and sea lettuce (Ulva rigida). Dulse and sea lettuce are widely eaten in Canada and Europe. This basic information is needed to support the development of commercial macroalgae aquaculture in the Pacific Northwest. This research will be conducted at the Sol-Sea Farm; a production aquaculture facility located at the NOAA/NMFS research station in Manchester, WA. Current work will focus on improving product quality and reducing operational costs. Proximate composition.

data.gov

An official website of the GSA's Technology Transformation Services

Looking for U.S. government information and services?
Visit USA.gov