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JBV Project Report Q1 2024

The first quarter of 2024 marked a pivotal period for KOASTAL's seaweed cultivation developments, focusing on finalizing preparations and initiating key activities for the upcoming harvest season. This report provides an overview of the milestones achieved and ongoing efforts in site selection, rig optimization, harvesting logistics, data management, and farmer support.

WP 1: Site Selection Pilot and Full-Scale Permitting
In Q1 2024, we submitted six new pilot applications, concentrating on North-Bohuslän and Stockholm regions. The high level of stakeholder interest in the archipelago posed challenges, requiring compromises and meticulous planning. The EIA process for the previously approved pilot farms continued, with submissions made to the environmental court in March 2024 for sites judged to have non-significant impacts.

WP 2: Optimizing the Design of Seaweed Cultivation Rigs
The spreader bar setup, tested in 2023, continued to demonstrate its efficacy. Farmers received additional support for maintenance, and key improvements identified earlier were implemented. The collaboration with an engineering consultant ensured the rigs continued to meet safety and operational standards.

WP 3: Designing, Testing, and Evaluating Harvesting and Processing Logistics
Testing of the 12 mesh bag designs commenced in April 2024, aimed at optimizing the harvesting process for smaller vessels. The selected stabilization techniques, including fresh freeze and acid preservation, were prepared for trials to ensure efficient and cost-effective processing.

WP 4: Data Recording, Analysis, and Reporting Software
The Track’n’Trace app, introduced in 2023, was refined and prepared for use during the April harvest. This tool will provide comprehensive tracking of the seaweed supply chain, ensuring quality control and transparency.

WP 5: Farmer Onboarding, Education, and Assistance
Q1 2024 saw the completion of additional individual workshops and the distribution of the farmer manual. Preparations for the first group workshop, scheduled for early April, were finalized, focusing on harvesting techniques and best practices.

Conclusion
Q1 2024 has been a period of consolidation and preparation for KOASTAL. The groundwork laid in 2023 has been built upon, setting the stage for a successful year of seaweed cultivation. Continued efforts in optimizing processes and supporting farmers are expected to yield significant advancements in the project's objectives.

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.

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