extraction of seaweed in Gotland
In this project, Blått Centrum Gotland will investigate whether seaweed in Gotland can be harvested sustainably and used for commercial purposes. The project is conducted in collaboration with stakeholders in Gotland and Ösel in Estonia.
About the project
The Gotlandic seaweed is an important resource that is partially utilized to extract energy (biogas), fertilizer, and as a basis for material development. The use has a positive effect on the environmental condition of the Baltic Sea since nutrient-rich minerals such as nitrogen and phosphorus are removed from the sea. The efforts can also have positive effects on biodiversity and reduce methane emissions.
However, several of today's applications for seaweed require support to be profitable. There is a need to develop innovative ideas that have greater economic value. This project is a response to this challenge.
The algae washed up on the Gotlandic beaches largely consist of wrack (Furcellaria lumbricalis), also known as forkweed due to its appearance. From wrack, the substance furcellaran can be extracted for use as, for example, a thickener in the food industry or for other applications in the pharmaceutical industry. The substance has many similarities with agar and carrageenan extracted from other species of red algae.
On the Estonian island of Ösel, the company ESTAGAR has a long tradition of extracting furcellaran from wrack. However, the availability of raw material is limited.
The objective of the project is to:
Together with ESTAGAR, ensure the quality of the Gotlandic wrack and determine whether the biomass meets the quality requirements set.
Estimate the amount of wrack that can be harvested in Gotland. To do this, airborne drones will be used to estimate distribution. The thickness of the biomass will be measured on the beaches. Based on this data, the amount in tons can be estimated.
With the help of well-known economic methods, a Cost-Benefit analysis (CBA) will be conducted in collaboration with experienced economists at KTH. The goal is to obtain an economic calculation that can help a future entrepreneur develop a profitable business in Gotland in collaboration with ESTAGAR.
The environmental effects of wrack harvesting will be evaluated using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), where effects on biodiversity will also be included.
Text published/updated 2025-11-20
Program period
2023–2027
Project owner
Uppsala University/Campus Gotland/Blått Centrum Gotland
”Extraction of seaweed in Gotland” (journal no. 2025-34)
Leader Gutes board decided to prioritize the application for project support on 2025-02-20.
The Swedish Board of Agriculture granted the application for project support on 2025-11-14.
The purpose of the project:
To investigate the possibilities of harvesting and using algae (seaweed) to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the Baltic Sea, as well as contribute to the development of new food products based on algae.
Project goals:
Att collect and analyze seaweed to assess its potential as food, develop a model for cost-benefit analysis of seaweed utilization and its environmental effects, establish collaboration with at least one actor in Ösel and develop and test product prototypes based on seaweed.
Granted amount:
500,148 kronor
Total financing
500,148 kronor
The Leader support consists of funding from the EU, the state and Region Gotland.
Rural Development Fund
