Imagine a better world…
Delicious food, less synthetic fertilisers, and environmentally friendly jobs.
Auskelp’s mission is to build a commercial offshore, environmentally-friendly kelp enterprise in Southern NSW.
It’s time to build a new-age industry for a rapidly changing world.
Our Project
In 2022, AusKelp received preliminary approval from NSW Department of Primary Industries for a 200-hectare ocean lease to grow Ecklonia radiata contingent on the completion of a State Significant Development (SSD) which includes a detailed Environmental Impact Survey (EIS) and appropriate community consultation.
The project, called Eden-1 aims to be the second commercial-scale seaweed lease area approved in NSW marine waters. The proposed lease is located 23km south-west of Eden in Disaster Bay, south of Greencape Lighthouse. The project integrates hatchery propagation, offshore cultivation, harvesting logistics and food-grade processing to create a reliable supply of premium kelp biomass. This biomass supports multiple high-value applications including human food, nutraceutical extracts, agricultural biostimulants and sustainable biomaterials. By establishing end-to-end systems—from seedstock to finished products—Auskelp is building the operational blueprint required for a viable kelp industry in NSW waters.
Welcome to Auskelp
At Auskelp, we are developing a regenerative kelp industry in southern New South Wales. Founded in 2019, Auskelp is advancing the science, engineering and commercial systems required to cultivate high-quality Ecklonia radiata (Golden Kelp) in exposed offshore waters. Through rigorous ocean trials, hatchery development and processing innovation, we are establishing reliable supply for premium food products, nutraceutical extracts, biostimulants and sustainable biomaterials. Operating in one of NSW’s most exposed marine areas, Auskelp is committed to environmental stewardship, scientific integrity and regional economic development. Our work supports ecosystem resilience, marine research and the emerging blue economy, while creating new opportunities for coastal communities.
Learn More
Auskelp are committed to transparency and evidence-based decision making. This section brings together the key information and supporting documents to help you better understand the Auskelp project and its impacts on the community, local economy and marine environment.
State Significant Development
Assessment Underway
The Eden-1 Kelp Aquaculture Farm is being assessed by the NSW Government as a State Significant Development. Following public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement, AusKelp has prepared a comprehensive Submissions Response Report (SRR) addressing the issues raised by the community, government agencies and other stakeholders.
Click the image to visit the NSW Government Major Projects website for the latest project information and assessment documents:
Environmental Impact Statement
After more than four years of research, offshore testing, environmental investigations, specialist studies, stakeholder engagement and regulatory review, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Eden-1 Kelp Aquaculture Farm was completed and publicly exhibited in April–May 2026.
The EIS provides the comprehensive assessment of the proposed project and its potential environmental, social and economic impacts, undertaken in accordance with NSW State Significant Development requirements.
2026 Auskelp EIS
Submissions Response Report
Following public exhibition of the EIS, Auskelp prepared a detailed Submissions Response Report (SRR) addressing the matters raised in public submissions and by NSW Government agencies. The SRR provides further information and assessment across the key issues raised during exhibition, including marine ecology, biosecurity, whale and marine fauna interactions, navigation, visual and acoustic impacts, commercial and recreational fishing, local character and amenity, and the proposed staging and environmental management of the project.
The SRR also incorporates additional specialist analysis, updated management measures and responses to advice received from government agencies during the assessment process.
2026 Auskelp SRR
Click the image to open the document:
FY22 Annual Report
FY23 Annual Report
FY24 Annual Report
FY25 Annual Report
FAQ Aug 2025
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Report Apr 2024
FAQ Nov 2025
Business Report Mar 2024
Community Engagement-1 Mar 2024
Community Engagement-2 Mar 2024
[VIDEO] Wonboyn Information Session Oct 2025
[VIDEO] Auskelp Video Jun 2023
[VIDEO] Auskelp Video Oct 2022
Other Resources
Click the image above to visit “Seaweed Central” to learn about seaweed farming
[Video] Click the image above to watch this important presentation from CSIRO’s Dr Jaci Brown
Golden Kelp
Ocean kelp are the ‘rainforests’ of the ocean.
Australia’s vast ocean coastlines are the perfect home to this truly sustainable, high value economic opportunity. By investing and fostering seaweed production we have the opportunity to improve the health of our bays, oceans and reefs, provide jobs in regional coastal areas, produce high-value products for domestic and export markets, and reduce synthetic fertilisers.
“After living for nearly 100 years on this planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not the land, but the sea.”
Auskelp Joins ASSA
Auskelp is a founding member of the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA), the peak body for the commercial seaweed industry in Australia. Other members include, CH4 Global, Future Feed, University of Tasmania and the Australian Seaweed Institute.
Learn about the NSW Seaweed Prospectus
NSW is positioned to grow a globally competitive seaweed industry, underpinned by comparative advantages in cultivation and strong adjacent workforce capabilities. The sector has significant potential to generate skilled and regional employment across hatchery operations, offshore farming, processing, and logistics. At the same time, seaweed cultivation delivers clear environmental benefits, including nutrient uptake, improved water quality, and carbon capture. This combination of job creation and environmental outcomes makes seaweed aquaculture a highly attractive and supported industry within New South Wales.
