Our Seaweed & Process

Seaweed extract is known to be an effective component used in increasing the uptake of plant nutrients, and providing tolerance to stress, high temperatures, and frost. The FERTUM® formula contains a unique blend of four seaweeds in high concentrations, which have shown to improve fruit ripening, quality, and shelf-life.

Our Seaweed Species

Macrocystis pyrifera (kelp) is a species of brown algae. Like all plants and seaweeds, kelp need chlorophyll as well as sunlight for photosynthesis and growth. Its growth is limited by nitrogen and light, therefore ideal conditions include upwelling, which provides renewed supplies of nutrients, and lots of sunlight. Gas-filled bladders at the base of the leaflike blades support the growing fronds of the anchored Macrocystis pyrifera as they grow towards and spread out along the surface in a dense canopy.

Macrocystis pyrifera (kelp)

Also known as giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera may be the fastest growing organism in the world with growth rates reaching a phenomenal 20 inches a day in ideal conditions.

Ulva Lactuca (sea lettuce) is translucent, and grows attached to rocks, other seaweeds and various substrates, by a disc shaped holdfast. Plants tend to be pale green when young, bright green when mature and dark green when mature. Ulva lactuca can grow up to 45cm long and 30cm across. It is found on sheltered to moderately exposed rocks and shores, and in pools and shallow waters near the low watermark. It thrives in brackish waters, particularly in waters with organic enrichment.

Ulva lactuca (sea lettuce)

Ulva lactuca is species of marine and brackish green seaweed that is found worldwide. The fronds within the water resemble lettuce leaves, hence the nickname “sea lettuce.”

Durvillaea antarctica often exceeds 30 ft. in length and specimens of 50 ft. have been found. Its surface is thick and leathery. Durvillaea antarctica has a circumpolar distribution between the latitudes of 29°S in Chile. This type of algae does not have air bladders, but rather floats due to a unique honeycomb structure within the alga's blades, which also helps avoid being damaged by the strong waves. 

Durvillaea antarctica

A large, robust bull kelp species and a dominant seaweed in southern Chile, Durvillaea antarctica is easily identifiable by its round stipes and narrow palm-like blades.

Porphyra columbina is a red seaweed that reaches its maximum abundance in spring. Although red seaweeds are found in all latitudes, there is a marked abundance in equatorial regions, while a few of the species can be found in polar and sub-polar regions.

Photo credit: Tony Markham

Porphyra columbina

Porphyra columbina is a red seaweed that grows in the shallow  intertidal zones, typically between the upper intertidal zone and the splash zone, in cold waters of temperate oceans. 

Seaweed is a general term encompassing many species and groups of multi-cellular algae.

Seaweed Source, Extraction & Harvesting

Among Chile’s 4,000-mile-long coastline, the southern coast is well known for its cold, pristine waters that are continuously replenished by The Humboldt Current, originating northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula.

 
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Patagonian Pacific Ocean

Patagonia Biotecnología S.A. harvests seaweed along a 400-mile coastal region from Valdivia to the Chiloe region, which is an archipelago rich with micronutrients that remain pristine due to its isolation. This ideal environment provides Patagonia Biotecnología S.A. with an abundant, recurring, sustainable, seaweed resource base.

Map credit: Aguilera, et. al.

Photo credit: Ismael Tocornal

 
Our select seaweeds have been hand-harvested by experienced divers using tools to cut the seaweed fronds instead of pulling it up by the roots. Thereby ensuring no disruption to the seabed nor to the surrounding fishery resources.

Our select seaweeds have been hand-harvested by experienced divers using tools to cut the seaweed fronds instead of pulling it up by the roots. Thereby ensuring no disruption to the seabed nor to the surrounding fishery resources.

Once harvested, the seaweed is delivered to the shore, where it is immediately transferred to sacks and delivered to our processing facility where it is washed, chopped, and processed to extract the microelements upon receipt.

Once harvested, the seaweed is delivered to the shore, where it is immediately transferred to sacks and delivered to our processing facility where it is washed, chopped, and processed to extract the microelements upon receipt.

Harvesting seaweed during spring and summer months assures a consistent supply of fresh seaweed and active ingredients that contains maximum nutrients.

Harvesting seaweed during spring and summer months assures a consistent supply of fresh seaweed and active ingredients that contains maximum nutrients.