68 MARINE INGREDIENTS
Mobilising the power of New Zealand red seaweed
Andrea Taimana, Sylvester Kuo – Organic Bioactives
Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) plays a crucial role in shaping the marine ecosystems of New Zealand. Originating from the frigid depths of Antarctica, this dense, cold water mass travels northward, bringing with it a wealth of nutrients and impacting global ocean currents. For New Zealand, a country uniquely positioned in close proximity to Antarctica, the influence of AABW is particularly significant. Nestled in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand’s unique geographical location positions it as one of the closest inhabited landmasses to the icy expanse of Antarctica.1 This proximity not only establishes New
Zealand as a critical player in Antarctic exploration and research but also as a guardian of some of the world’s purest oceanic waters. From its southernmost city, Invercargill, to the key port of Christchurch, the nation serves as a vital hub for logistical support, environmental stewardship, and oceanic purity.
The role of Antarctic Bottom Water in marine ecosystems AABW forms as cold, salty, and dense water sinks near the Antarctic continent, driven by the extreme temperatures and salinity changes. As this water travels along the ocean floor, it acts as a conveyor belt, transporting nutrients essential for marine life.
These nutrients support the growth
of phytoplankton, the foundation of the marine food web, which in turn sustains a diverse array of marine species, from tiny zooplankton to large fish and marine mammals.2 For New Zealand, this influx of nutrient-rich water is vital. The country’s marine biodiversity, including commercially important species such as hoki (common white fish), squid, and rock lobster, relies heavily on the productivity of these waters. The cold, nutrient-laden currents enhance
the productivity of New Zealand’s marine ecosystems, supporting both biodiversity and the fishing industry, which is a critical component of the nation’s economy. There is now a growing industry, including
a recently developed New Zealand Seaweed Association, looking at utilising the seaweed species in this special environment for commercial purposes. Of the most interest to the cosmetic industry, New Zealand red seaweed’s unique chemical composition proves to be beneficial for multiple applications to both the skin and hair.
PERSONAL CARE September 2024 The name that New Zealand’s Māori people
have given it is ‘rimu’, which is a generic term for seaweed and sometimes it is called ‘Karengo’. The Māori have been utilising red seaweed for centuries, spanning from using it as a food source during winter times where food is scarce to developing it as a gelling agent for treating wounds and various skin ailments.3 During the modern days, the seaweed is
often sundried for preservation and added as condiments for consumption; another use of the red seaweed is to create agar for microbiological laboratory research and a vegan substitute for gelatine due to its nutritional value. Another important aspect of using the red
Figure 1: Sulphated glucosaminoglycans (sGAGs) play a major role in skin vitality and delivery of bioactives via their vibrant intra and extracellular communication
New Zealand red seaweed Sarcothalia circumcincta belongs to the Rhodophyta family, a diverse group of red algae known for their vibrant colour and high nutrient content. It is a unique species of red seaweed native to New Zealand’s pristine rocky coasts, where it attaches to submerged surfaces and flourishes in the cold, nutrient-dense waters. Characterized by its rich red hue and delicate fronds, Sarcothalia circumcincta is visually striking and biologically unique.
seaweed lies in animal feed production, it works as a biostimulant for the farming industry and for the equine industry to boost the output of the milk production and performances of horse racing. It has garnered significant attention recently for its remarkable properties and potential benefits in the personal care industry.4 This marine treasure, thriving in the nutrient-
rich oceanic environments, is increasingly recognized for its contributions to health, cosmetics, and environmental sustainability. This adaptable plant is known for its bioactive compounds which have potential anti- inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties. What is more important, through Organic
Bioactives’ own research, is that we discovered sulphated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) - a
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