At Sulphur Point in Tauranga sits a warehouse-sized greenhouse, designed for just one purpose - to grow seaweed and freshwater macroalgae.
Dr. Marie Magnusson at the FARM Photo: Supplied / University of Waikato
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The Facility for Aquaculture Research of Macroalgae, or FARM, is key to the work of the University of Waikato’s macroalgal biotechnologies programme, led by Dr. Marie Magnusson. The multi-million dollar facility allows researchers to figure out how best to grow large quantities of macroalgae, as well as explore potential uses for different species.
Claire Concannon joins Marie for a tour of the facility to learn about the many different applications that the seaweed and freshwater macroalgae can be used for.
Macroalgae grown in the facility is separated into its different constituents. Photo: Tomek Friedrich
The Enterpreneurial Universities Macroalgal Biotechnology Enterprises Programme and facilities is funded by the Tertiary Education Commission and the University of Waikato. The clinical study mentioned by Dr. Chris Glasson is also partially funded by an internal grant from Lincoln University awarded to Dr Catherine Elliot. The freswhater bioremediation work mentioned at Te Puke wastewater treatment plant is funded by Aqua Curo.
To learn more
- Visit the groups webpage
- Find out more about the bioremediation project at Aqua Curo's website.