Women in Seaweed Innovation Summit
SUMMARY AND RECORDING
Hello Everyone,
The seaweed industry is on its way to be a game changer!
For those of you that joined us thank you for your participation.
Thanks to Mariana Flores, Hatch Blue and to our Guest Speakers, we had a very interactive and productive first webinar with women in the Seaweed Sector.
The recording is ready for you to watch on YouTube.
You may also listen to the audio here
Host: Mariana Flores. Hatch Blue. Community Manager in Latin America for the Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio.
Mariana has a Background in Marketing and a Master's degree in Strategic Management. She has lived near the sea in La Paz, Mexico, for over 14 years, where her interest in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture was born, especially regarding value chain analysis and strategic communications.
Co-Host: Dr. Juli-Anne Russo Founder, CEO, Caribbean Aquaculture Education and Innovation Hub
Guest Speakers;
Paulina Zanela
Paulina is CEO and co-founder of Thalasso Biotech. An international relations expert, she holds a master's degree in eco-entrepreneurship and is certified in large marine ecosystems management. With over 10 years of experience in social impact, nonprofit organizations, and government affairs, Paulina is dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions in the marine sector.
Jalima Gold
Jalima is a seaweed mompreneur and single mother based in Belize. As President and founding member of the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association, she advocates for environmentally conscious entrepreneurship and a regulated seaweed mariculture industry. Jalima is committed to ensuring that Belizeans manage and benefit from this valuable marine resource.
Thamires Pontes
Thamires is the founder of Phycolabs, a biotech start-up revolutionizing the fashion industry with nature-inspired solutions. Her expertise in biotechnology and seaweed-based textile fibers is driving sustainable innovation. Thamires was awarded the Global Change Award by H&M Foundation in 2023 and recently won the Bicester Collection Unlock Her Future Award, highlighting her commitment to shaping a sustainable future through biotech and fashion.
Jessica Giannotti
Jessica Giannotti is the founder and CEO of SeaDyes, a marine biotechnology startup specializing in sustainable seaweed-based dyes. She is also the Founder and Director of Crùbag, a Scotland-based studio focused on ocean-inspired textile design and materials innovation. With a background in Marine Science and over a decade of experience, Jessica bridges the gap between marine science, sustainable aquaculture, and the fashion industry. Her work promotes interdisciplinary collaborations for nature-positive solutions and climate change education.
Monique Jones
Monique Jones is the founder of Moss Be Nice, a wellness and beauty brand dedicated to harnessing the natural power of sea moss. Specializing in premium products like gels, soaps, scrubs, and oils, Moss Be Nice aims to enhance health, beauty, and overall well-being through the transformative properties of sea moss. Monique’s commitment lies in promoting sustainable practices and natural skincare solutions.
Summary
Introducing the Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio program and the notable figures in the Caribbean seaweed sector.
The discussion focused on value-added products, and the potential for international trade. The conversation ended with a Q&A session, addressing issues such as export regulations, traceability, and sustainability concerns, and a discussion on the potential of the seaweed industry to provide livelihoods and contribute to a sustainable economy.
Seaweed Farming and Caribbean Collaboration
Jalima, a key figure in the Caribbean Seaweed Association, shared the association's growth and efforts to promote gender roles in maritime, including training women to be boat captains and supporting members' small businesses through branding and research. Jalima discussed the efforts of her organization to promote seaweed farming in the Caribbean, focusing on the need for scientific data to inform best practices and the potential for value-added products for international export. She also emphasized the importance of working collaboratively as a Caribbean region to make an impact on the international market.
Discovering Seaweed: Health Benefits and Glow Bundle
Monique, the founder of Moss Be Nice, highlighted the challenges faced in the seaweed sector in Jamaica, particularly sustainable sourcing, high export costs, and a lack of expertise in seaweed cultivation. She expressed her desire to learn more about sustainable seaweed farming to support the growing market in the Caribbean while preserving marine ecosystems. She also announced the upcoming launch of their website and international shipping.
Monique introduced her Jamaican wellness and beauty brand, Moss Be Nice, which uses seaweed to create a range of products. Monique discussed the origins and benefits of seamoss a product designed to promote health and well-being. She explained that seamoss/seaweed, which contains 92 of the 102 minerals the body needs, was developed when she was suffering from iron deficiency anemia and other health issues. The product is rich in antioxidants, essential minerals, and dietary fiber, and can be used to boost energy levels, aid digestion, and maintain strong bones and joints. Monique also introduced the Seaweed Glow Bundle, a skincare range designed to tackle issues such as acne, dark spots, and eczema, and presented testimonials and before-and-after pictures demonstrating its effectiveness.
Sustainable Fashion and Marine Solutions
Thamires, is the founder of Phycolabs, a biotech startup using seaweed-based textile fibers to revolutionize the fashion industry sustainably. Thamires introduced her background in the fashion industry and her company's mission to combat pollution in the sector by using seaweed as a sustainable and biodegradable alternative. She highlighted the benefits of her company's seaweed fibers, which are easier to recycle and have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional materials. Thamires also discussed the company's collaborative business model and their ambition to replace synthetic and artificial fibers in the global textile market
Sargassum Seaweed Solution and Collaboration
Paulina discussed the problem of Sargassum seaweed affecting 48 countries and the potential solution her company, Thalasso is developing. The company has established a container-based micro-wire refinery to transform Sargassum into high-value ingredients for various industries including bioplastics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and textiles. The company is currently in discussions with several brands and has been awarded a new lab and funding from Invest Puerto Rico to build a pilot refinery. Paulina emphasized the importance of working together to strengthen the value chain and create a sustainable economy based on the use of marine resources.
NEXT STEPS & TO BE CONTINUED…
Jalima and the Belize Women Seaweed Farmers Association will continue to work on creating more diversified local markets for seaweed products beyond beverages
Monique is continuing her research and exploring sustainable seaweed farming practices in Jamaica.
Thamires is continuing to develop seaweed-based textile fibers and fabrics for the fashion industry.
Paulina is deploying the pilot seaweed refinery in Puerto Rico and exploring partnerships with companies interested in seaweed-based ingredients.
Hatch Blue, the Caribbean Aquaculture Education and Innovation Hub, and the speaker companies to collaborate and build a supportive network for women in the seaweed industry.
Please reach out to the speakers to learn more about their ventures.
Juli-Anne
CEO, Founder CAEIH, Caribbean Aquaculture Network
