About the project
This project, co-financed by Jordbruksverket, commenced in September 2023 and will continue until September 2025. It aims to test an innovative business model in real conditions for deploying small-scale sea-based seaweed farms. KOASTAL provides customers, such as fishers, with a turnkey farm package and a buy-back guarantee for their crops, fostering the growth of local small-scale seaweed farming.
About Jordbruksverket
The Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) plays a vital role in supporting rural development and sustainable agricultural practices in Sweden. It provides information and regulations related to animals, plants, food, and beverages, focusing on trade and health standards. The agency also oversees the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Programme, offering support for rural development measures and agri-environmental payments. Jordbruksverket is a key co-financier of projects that promote innovative agricultural solutions, such as the development and customer piloting of sustainable seaweed cultivation models.
About KOASTAL
KOASTAL is developing the most resource-efficient production system of seaweed biomass using a franchise model building on the current resources of the fishing industry. We help fishers set up, operate and scale their farms, and aggregate and certify their production to result in the best product-market fit for large-scale buyers.
JBV Project Report Q4 2024
WP 1: Site Selection Pilot and Full-Scale Permitting
In Q4, KOASTAL celebrated a major milestone with the approval of its first full-scale permit, spanning 6.54 hectares. This achievement sets a precedent for future applications, with five additional full-scale permits currently under review.
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Efforts to expand pilot farms continue, although strict regulations and competing interests in nature-protected areas present challenges. KOASTAL remains committed to balancing sustainability with growth.
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WP 2: Optimizing the Design of Seaweed Cultivation Rigs
Standardization efforts streamlined rig production, ensuring smoother installations for the 2025 season. Lessons learned from previous deployments highlighted the importance of having all equipment ready by spring, allowing time for preparation and testing.
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The modular, flexible design approach continues to prove effective, with the spreader bar and catenary setups positioned for further optimization in the coming year.
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WP 3: Designing, Testing, and Evaluating Harvesting and Processing Logistics
Preparations for the 2025 harvest are underway, focusing on solutions that enhance scalability and cost efficiency. KOASTAL is refining its freezing process for fresh-frozen seaweed, transitioning to standardized packaging to meet grade compliance.
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The team is exploring methods to better integrate harvesting logistics with existing fishing infrastructure, ensuring a more seamless and scalable operation.
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WP 4: Data Recording, Analysis, and Reporting Software
The Track’n’Trace app has been updated, and initial feedback from farmers has been positive. The app now collects detailed growth and environmental data, providing valuable insights into farm performance.
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While data analysis tools are still under development, KOASTAL is focused on refining its systems to ensure usability and reliability. Plans for more advanced analytics remain exploratory, emphasizing practicality and cost-effectiveness.
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WP 5: Farmer Onboarding, Education, and Assistance
Short-notice onboarding of farmers due to late pull-outs posed challenges but also revealed opportunities for growth. KOASTAL is exploring partnerships between fishers and farmers to combine operational expertise with enthusiasm for seaweed farming.
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Plans are in place to hold workshops in January 2025, fostering collaboration and improving readiness for the upcoming season. Continued investment in targeted outreach to experienced fishers will strengthen the farmer network and improve scalability.
The final quarter of 2024 was a period of consolidation and preparation for KOASTAL, as the project reached critical milestones and laid the groundwork for the 2025 harvest season. The approval of the first full-scale permit was a standout achievement, while ongoing refinements to rig designs, logistics, and farmer support demonstrated KOASTAL’s dedication to continuous improvement. While challenges in onboarding and scaling persisted, the quarter saw meaningful progress in building a resilient farmer network and enhancing the tools and systems that underpin sustainable seaweed farming. This report captures the highlights of Q4 and sets the stage for a strong year ahead.
Conclusion
Q4 2024 has been a period of reflection and preparation, with milestones achieved in permitting and operational refinement. As KOASTAL looks ahead to 2025, the focus remains on optimizing systems, supporting farmers, and fostering a sustainable seaweed cultivation network in Sweden.
Underwater Progress: Growing Together with KOASTAL's Farmers
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