EXCLUSIVE - Number of staff made redundant at Sea Forest

Sea Forest founder and CEO Sam Elsom says his company is in a strong financial position despite laying off 10 staff.

The climate start-up was established in 2018 and operates at Triabunna.

The company has been utilising Asparagopsis, a type of seaweed, to produce a livestock feed supplement that reduces methane emissions.

Mr Elsom was named the 2025 Australian of the Year for Tasmania and was a finalist in Prince William's prestigious Earthshot Prize in 2023.

Sea Forest is in the process of transitioning from its research phase into commercially producing Asparagopsis.

 Mr Elsom said that as a result the company was reshaping its workforce.

"We have reduced some operational roles while we are actively recruiting to strengthen our production focus at Swansea, in addition to filling additional sales and customer support roles.

“As market demand continues to steadily grow, as evidenced by the securing of our sixth commercial-scale supply contract, we expect the net impact on overall employment over time to be positive.

"A game changer which would accelerate growth in this sector, both in terms of employment and ag-sector emissions reduction, would be a speedy resolution of an Australian Carbon Credit Unit which we are working to progress with the Federal Government.”

Sea Forest now has 35 workers following the redundancies.

“We are committed to our people and our community and have supported leavers to secure new roles,” Mr Elsom said.

“We are optimistic about Sea Forest’s growth and will continue to shine a light on the important work happening on the east coast of Tasmania.”

Mr Elsom said the company supplies its livestock feed supplement to six producers.

“Looking ahead, our marine operations will focus on research to optimise our proven feed formulation and develop a new Asparagopsis-based supplement targeting enhanced productivity and immune response in non-ruminant species, including aquaculture.

“This innovation pipeline supports our mission to produce more food with lower emissions and reduced resource intensity.

“As a lead participant in the Tasmanian Farmers’ Low Emissions Agriculture Pilot, we continue to work closely with government and industry to demonstrate the commercial viability of seaweed-based methane reduction solutions across Tasmania’s agricultural sector.”