Tunley Partners With Algapelago To Revolutionise Ocean Farming

INTRODUCING THE BLUE FOREST PROJECT

At the heart of this partnership is Algapelago’s Blue Forest project, an innovative initiative dedicated to proving the value of large-scale regenerative ocean farming as an ocean restoration tool. Set to launch in June 2025 off the coast of North Devon, the project will deploy a modular cultivation rig, working in partnership with Arctic Seaweed, capable of producing up to 40 tonnes of kelp annually. By integrating shellfish alongside sugar kelp, the initiative will explore how these species work together to enhance marine ecosystems, store carbon and nutrients at scale.

Algapelago logo-1 Arctic Seaweed Logo

Climate change poses an urgent threat to our oceans. Through the Blue Forest project, we aim to:

Advance blue carbon solutions by studying how regenerative aquaculture can absorb CO_₂.
Restore marine ecosystems and enhance nutrient cycling through sustainable farming.
Build a strong blue economy, opening doors for future credit markets and ecological improvements.

Algapelagos Blue Forest

Kelp Forests

Grown near the surface, native kelps provide shelter, food, and refuge from both predation and fishing. Kelp forests are proven to increase biomass productivity, whilst combating ocean acidification.

Mussel Ropes

Grown from 3m-13m depth, mussles provide massive water filtration and denitrification capacity. Mussels help to improve the connectivity of the habitat & play an important nursery function. they also enable biogenic reef creation.

Oyster Reefs

Previously decimated, new oyster reefs provide keystone services for all marine life. Once established, they are self-sustaining - working to increase habitat complexity, while reducing harmful levels of nitrogen.

The Full Report

NUTRIENT MITIGATION POTENTIAL OF REGENERATIVE AQUACULTURE

Download the Algapelago Literature Review to explore the latest research on regenerative aquaculture and its role in nutrient mitigation, carbon storage, and marine ecosystem restoration. This report provides key insights into the Blue Forest project and its potential to enhance sustainable ocean farming.

Algapelago Report Cover Image

EXPERT INSIGHTS

Dr Nora von Xylander, Marine Biodiversity Specialist at Tunley Environmental, shares her enthusiasm:

“This partnership with Algapelago marks an exciting milestone in the intersection of marine conservation and regenerative aquaculture. Through this collaboration, we're advancing the science behind blue carbon solutions and natural systems that can help make a difference in the fight against climate change.”

Kerr Jeferies, Market Development Manager for Algapelago, highlights his experience of working with Tunley:

"Tunley were exceptional in their development of a critical research report with us. As a small, pioneering business, we were able to lean on Tunley's wide range of experience and expertise. Going further, they were always friendly, personable, and engaged, which is refreshing in a challenging world with many potential solutions to the climate crisis. We particularly appreciated how "bought in" the team was in our work, making the project feel like a genuine partnership throughout. We look forward to progressing our work with Tunley in future as the Blue Forest program progresses."