Harnessing the power of native Irish Palmaria palmata, to develop high-value, sustainable extracts for use in cosmetics and as a feed additive.
At Sea & Believe, we develop MAA-rich seaweed extracts with a focus on natural sun protection and immune support. Using sustainable vertical and regenerative farming, we cultivate Palmaria palmata, protecting wild stocks and restoring ocean ecosystems. Our advanced extraction produces high-performance, science-backed UV-protective ingredients for skincare and functional feeds designed to support aquatic health and antiviral resilience.
The magic of
Palmaria Palmata
We grow Palmaria palmata for its unique bioactive potential across high-value applications. Its natural compounds offer powerful antioxidant and UV-absorbing properties ideal for next-generation cosmetic formulations, supporting skin protection, brightening, and anti-aging.
In aquaculture, P. palmata extracts show promise as a sustainable functional ingredient in shrimp feed, enhancing stress tolerance and exhibiting antiviral activity through naturally occurring fluoridicide compounds.
Beyond these fields, its dried biomass offers novel culinary uses, making P. palmata a versatile crop bridging science, sustainability, and innovation.
Fields of application
Cosmetic extract
Provides natural UV protection, supports skin brightening, and offers anti-aging benefits through concentrated marine-derived compounds.
Functional feed extract
Supports healthier shrimp by enhancing stress resilience and demonstrating potential antiviral activity through naturally occurring bioactive compounds.
Culinary product
Dried seaweed biomass offers unique flavours and nutritional benefits (though this application is currently a lower priority).
Connemara - the perfect microclimate for high quality palmaria Palmata.
Our flagship site is in Connemara, praised as an ideal location for Palmaria. Farming is occurring in collaboration with mussel farms (e.g. Killary Fjord) to test integration potential.
Our seaweed is cultivated in nutrient-rich, bog-fed intertidal zones surrounded by limestone mountains. In order to scale our operations sustainably, we are developing an engineering solution based on IP adapted from marine engineering experts Impact9.
our journey
Jennifer founded Sea & Believe to unite her finance background with a passion for biotechnology and the regenerative power of seaweed. Her journey began with a personal health breakthrough. After years of struggling with chronic asthma, seaweed baths in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo brought remarkable relief.
This sparked her curiosity about seaweed’s healing potential. Research revealed its benefits for cholesterol, immunity, skin, thyroid, and gut health, inspiring her to adopt a plant-based diet that ultimately resolved her asthma. Motivated by this transformation, Jennifer partnered with leading scientists in Galway to explore seaweed’s wider potential.
Today, Sea & Believe develops high-value extracts for cosmetics, sun protection and aquaculture applications that enhance shrimp resilience. Through science, sustainability, and collaboration, the company works to regenerate both industry and planet.
How to work with us
Interested in partnering with Sea & Believe? Complete the form on the right-hand side, and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your needs and how we can support you. We look forward to exploring opportunities to work together and deliver sustainable, science-backed solutions.
Supported by
Research partners
