At The Australian Seaweed Company, our dedication to delivering top-quality seaweed is fuelled by passion and expertise. We’re excited to have a chat with Mike Houghton, our co-founder and lead diver. He’ll take you behind the scenes of seaweed harvesting and reveal what sets our products apart.

 

Q: Mike, can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to start The Australian Seaweed Company?

Mike: The inspiration came from a deep-seated love for the ocean and a desire to share the incredible benefits of seaweed with others. Having worked extensively in fisheries, I saw the potential in Japanese wakame growing in Victoria’s waters. It was clear that this sea vegetable had unique qualities that could offer significant health benefits and that drove me to establish the company in 1999.

 

Q: In what ways have your experiences in fisheries and mussel farming impacted your approach to seaweed harvesting?

Mike: My life in fisheries has given me a deep connection to Victoria’s marine environments. Harvesting our premium seaweed is not just a job, but a passion. I strive to ensure every product we offer meets the highest standards, reflecting our dedication to both the sea and our customers. 

 

Q: What makes our seaweed products stand out from others in the market?

Mike: Our seaweed stands out due to our commitment to quality. From harvesting to processing, we do it all. We only harvest the mature plants from pristine Victorian waters and we process our harvest immediately using traditional Japanese techniques. This ensures the highest nutritional and physical quality of the seaweed. We’ve developed an independently audited food safety plan, in consultation with the Victorian Health Department and local councils, to oversee the entire process of harvesting, processing and packaging. We also conduct regular tests through accredited organisations to ensure our products meet the highest standards.

 

Q: Can you walk us through the process of harvesting seaweed?

Mike: Absolutely. The process begins with selecting the best time to harvest, which involves understanding tide patterns and weather conditions. Australia hosts a diverse range of seaweeds, including native species and introduced ones like wakame. Wakame is typically harvested between July and November. As seaweed specialists, we thoroughly investigate crop locations before harvesting. This means we only collect mature plants that have reached the peak of their growth cycle. We meticulously hand-harvest to ensure the highest quality and minimal impact on the marine environment.

 

Q: What are some of the benefits of incorporating seaweed into your diet?

Mike: Seaweed is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a range of benefits from improved digestion to enhanced immunity. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support overall health. For instance, our wakame is known for its high levels of iodine, which is crucial for thyroid function and its ability to provide a natural energy boost.

 

Q: Tell us about selling at Farmers Markets?

Mike: Selling at farmers markets allows us to connect directly with our customers and share the story behind our seaweed products. It provides a unique opportunity to educate people about the benefits of seaweed and gather immediate feedback. Whilst we build our online store and our stockists, farmers markets help us build a strong local presence and community engagement. 

 

Q: How do you see the future of seaweed in Australia?

Mike: The future of seaweed in Australia is incredibly promising. As more people become aware of its health benefits and versatility, we’re seeing increased interest and demand. We’re continuously exploring new seaweed varieties and innovations to meet this growing interest and make seaweed more accessible to Australians. Our goal is to not only provide high-quality products but also educate people about the many ways they can incorporate seaweed into their daily lives.

 

Q: What’s next for The Australian Seaweed Company?

Mike: We’re excited about expanding our product range and continuing our journey of innovation. Our focus will remain on sustainable practices and maintaining the exceptional quality of our seaweeds. We’re also working on new collaborations to bring our seaweed products to a wider audience and help more people discover the benefits of this incredible superfood.

 

If you have any more questions or want to learn more about our seaweed, feel free to reach out. Thanks for joining us on this journey!