Undaria: Harvest insights
Central to Marinova’s commitment to quality is the harvesting of wild seaweeds from pristine ocean waters. The quality of the source seaweed is critical to the integrity and bioactivity of the final fucoidan extract. It is for this reason that Marinova does not harvest from waters that are prone to human, industrial or agricultural contamination.
Marinova harvests Undaria pinnatifida seaweed from the pristine coastlines of Tasmania and Patagonia. Whilst both harvest regions boast exceptionally clean ocean waters, their surrounding terrestrial environments are an interesting contrast. Tasmania is well known for its ancient rainforests and rugged mountain ranges. In comparison, the company’s harvest sites along the Argentinean coast are bordered by thousands of kilometres of uninhabited Patagonian desert. This remarkable arid landscape, covered in low growing shrub and completely devoid of trees, stretches all the way from the foot of the Andes mountains to the cool depths of the Atlantic Ocean.
Native to Japan, Undaria pinnatifida was introduced some decades ago to both marine environments. Ideal growing conditions saw significant stands of Undaria flourishing within a matter of years. Marinova continues its annual harvest of this fast growing introduced species. A unique success story – the harvest and utilisation of a pest species for the benefit of human health.