Marine Bioproducts CRC

Australia’s marine bioproducts and biorefining sector is growing, and the next generation will shape what this sector becomes. The Marine Bioproducts CRC has launched the Sea Your Future Scholarship to support young people taking their first steps into the workforce. The scholarship is for high school students in Years 10 to 12 who are completing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) or who are employed in aquaculture, seafood processing, fisheries compliance or other marine-related fields. It provides up to $2,000 to help cover travel, accommodation, clothing, and training expenses, removing barriers so young people can fully participate in real workplaces and build the skills industry needs. A huge congratulations to our first scholarship recipient, Jackson Lee from Eden High School in New South Wales. Jackson is undertaking a 70-day placement with South Coast Mariculture Pty Ltd (Blue Harvest) as part of his Certificate II in Aquaculture, supported by Marine Bioproducts CRC and Auskelp. We are thrilled to support his career pathway and proud to partner with South Coast Mariculture as they invest in the next generation of marine industry talent. If your business hosts, or is planning to host, high school students undertaking school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, we would love to connect with you. Please contact: [email protected]

Congratulations to Malgana innovator, Professor Michael Wear, who has been awarded the inaugural Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems, a powerful recognition of leadership in Indigenous-led science and sustainable innovation. Daniel Abrahams first heard Professor Wear on ABC TV speaking about the protection of Malgana Country, the Shark Bay region of Western Australia. By chance, Daniel later recognised Professor Wear at Canberra Airport, where a photo opportunity was generously offered 📸 Professor Wear is the founder of Tidal Moon, Australia’s first Indigenous-owned and led sea cucumber fishery and marine restoration enterprise. What makes Tidal Moon so remarkable is its fusion of culture, science, and sustainability, creating a viable commercial fishery model while collecting vital conservation data through culturally directed methods. 🎧 Listen to Professor Michael Wear on #ABCRadio here: https://lnkd.in/gZyKhAFE 👉 Read about the PM’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems here: https://lnkd.in/gNyeh_r4 👀 Check out Tidal Moon here: https://lnkd.in/ggWThwqm

Marine BioConnect 25 was a landmark event for Australia’s growing blue bioeconomy. Over two days in August, researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and students came together on Meanjin land to explore how marine resources can be transformed into value. Marine BioConnect 25 was made so special by the collective vision, shared purpose and drive for collaboration. Sessions and presentations reinforced that by working together we can unlock the ocean’s full potential while sustaining the ecosystem. We would like to extend our thanks to all speakers and participants. Your work is not only pushing boundaries and creating opportunities, but proving that Australia’s provenance holds the resources for the future. Marine BioConnect 25 was a milestone for the industry. As we move into a future where sustainable solutions are not optional but essential, we are reminded of the ocean’s enormous potential and our responsibility to use it wisely. By connecting researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses, we ensure that Australia remains a leader in marine biotechnology and innovation. Thank you to our sponsors FRDC - Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and The University of Queensland, as well as our partners, speakers, students, and attendees for making BioConnect 25 such a success.

This Indigenous Business Month, we proudly celebrate Lanje – 100% Aboriginal owned, new skincare range born from Australia’s marine ecosystem. Launched at Marine BioConnect 2025, Lanje is a collaboration between Rosanna Angus (Bardi Jawi woman and leading tourism consultant), Dr Pia Winberg (CEO of PhycoHealth), Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and the MBCRC. Rosanna Angus said the development of bioactive skincare products was more than a business venture; it was also about strengthening cultural connections and addressing gaps in scientific research. “The idea of combining black lip oyster extract with seaweed sparked something powerful in me being able to use our own ocean products. These are not just natural resources, but part of our identity, our history and our healing practices.” We invite your support to buy the Lanje skin care range via the link below and show your support for First Nations innovation. https://lnkd.in/gRZ4FxVX To explore how MBCRC can support First Nations communities and co-design marine bioproducts for customers, visit our website: https://mbcrc.com/

The Marine Bioproduct Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements in an industry critical to Australia’s future. This year’s Hall of Fame Award went to Dr Pia Winberg for the transformative impact she has had on the blue economy and industry alike. Pia is an internationally recognised marine ecologist and entrepreneur at the forefront of Australia’s emerging seaweed industry. With more than two decades of experience bridging academic research and applied marine biotechnology, she has dedicated her career to unlocking the potential of seaweed for human health, sustainable food systems and environmental solutions. Pia is also the CEO of PhycoHealth, a company that cultivates and processes seaweed into high-quality biomass, nutritional ingredients, functional foods and skincare products. Her work translates cutting-edge science into real-world applications, from nutrient-rich supplements to advanced biomaterials. Driven by science, innovation, and sustainability, Pia is a global leader in marine bioprocessing and one of the most influential voices in the future of seaweed industries. Congratulations, Pia, on a well-deserved Hall of Fame award. We look forward to your continued leadership and the positive change that comes with it.

Australia’s southern bluefin tuna purse seine fishery is the first in the world to be certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a globally recognised standard for well-managed, ecologically sustainable fisheries. This ensures that marine bioproducts being developed by ASTBIA are sourced responsibly. Among these innovations is tuna bones, once considered a waste product, now emerging as a valuable source of collagen, with potential to improve skin elasticity, hydration and overall skin health. Tuna oil is also being explored as a key ingredient in innovative skincare formulations. At Marine Bioproducts CRC, we’re helping industry unlock new income streams from our seas. Learn more at www.MBCRC.com