Seaweed polysaccharides
Project overview
This project aims to develop powerful, low-impact crop protection products using ulvans - immune-boosting polysaccharides from native and naturalised NZ seaweed. Alongside this scientific work, Māori-led ethical frameworks will be developed ensuring both scientific innovation, and fair culturally grounded use of marine-derived taonga. We aim to deliver a pipeline for high-tech, sustainable seaweed-based crop protection products, advancing Aotearoa New Zealand’s environmental, economic, and innovation goals. It will build domestic capacity in seaweed farming, manufacturing, and science, offering new career pathways for Māori, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and fostering climate leadership.
Key researchers:
- Prof Maui Hudson - Research Aim Lead
- Natalie Kusabs - Research Co-ordinator
- Danny Paruru - Iwi Research Fellow
- Dr Janette Hamilton-Pierce - Senior Research Fellow
- Michela Anderson - PhD Candidate
This project is funded by the MBIE Endeavour Fund and led by the UoW Coastal Marine Field Station.