Lisbon/Trondheim, 8th January 2026 - Two pioneers of Europe’s seaweed industry – SeaForester (“SF”), the ocean restoration leader and Earthshot Prize finalist, and Seaweed Solutions (“SES”), a seaweed farming and seed supply pioneer – are pleased to announce they are entering into a definitive agreement to join forces and form SeaForester Group (“SFG”). The new group will represent the leading platform for restoring and growing the seaweed forests of the future, supporting important ocean ecosystems whilst also offering a source of regenerative biomass to meet the growing global demand for seaweed products. In parallel, SFG will shortly be launching a capital raising process to facilitate its further growth.

SFG brings together SF’s expertise in large-scale restoration with SES’s leadership in genetics, seed propagation and cultivation, creating an integrated model that spans the entire value chain – from biotechnology and seed development to restoration, cultivation, and supply of seaweed.

“SFG represents a new and powerful formula in the world of seaweed” said Pål Bakken, CEO of SF. “Two of the biggest challenges in the world are loss of nature and lack of sustainable biomass. Our new SFG platform is a direct response to that. By combining seaweed restoration and excellence in seaweed genetics we can restore the forgotten forests and establish future-proof biomass production at scale, proving that restoration and cultivation go hand-in-hand.”

“As an existing investor in both Seaweed Solutions and SeaForester we’re very excited to see SFG emerge. By bringing together ocean restoration, commercial cultivation, and seed genetics under one platform, SeaForester is uniquely positioned to deliver both ecological recovery and economic value. WWF's investment in both organizations reflected our belief in their complementary strengths—seeing them unite is a validation of the enormous potential at the intersection of ocean health and sustainable industry," said Paul Dobbins of WWF Ventures.

A Restorative Business Model

Seaweed forests are the biggest vegetated area in our ocean - twice the size of the Amazon rainforest. They are disappearing at an alarming rate - over 60% since the 1950s. As oceans warm and marine habitats shift, developing resilient and productive seaweed strains is key to protecting coastal ecosystems and building regenerative blue economies.

SFG’s business model will combine ecosystem restoration and biomass production, offering corporations and governments a scalable, measurable, and verifiable pathway to ocean restoration while also supplying high-quality seaweed biomass and ingredients for humans, animals and plants.

Three Pillars of Growth

SFG is structured around three mutually reinforcing business lines:

1. Seeds & Genetics – Development of high-yield, climate-resilient seed varieties and supply of seeds at scale.

2. Restoration – Tech-enabled, large-scale seaweed reforestation with permits targeting 10,000 hectares, using proprietary seeding technology and nursery systems.

3. Regenerative Biomass – A flagship farm paired with a growing network of farms and partnerships across Europe, supplying regenerative biomass for industrial clients and supporting buy-back programs with coastal farmers

Together, these capabilities put SFG in a unique position to command the entire regenerative seaweed value chain, from seed genetics to ecosystem impact.

Scaling Up for Impact

The new group has launched a capital raise to scale impact and innovation across seeds & genetics, restoration and cultivation.

“SeaForester Group is an exciting new platform that will deliver the scale of regenerative seaweed practice that the planet needs by leveraging the core excellences of seeds & genetics from Seaweed Solutions alongside restoration at Seaforester” said Jon Funderud, Seaweed Solutions. Michael White who advised and facilitated the agreement, and is Seaforester Group’s incoming Chairman said “Our model allows investors, corporations, and policymakers to participate in ocean restoration with measurable, high-integrity outcomes, and to build an industry where regeneration and profitability go hand-in-hand.”

About SeaForester (SF)

SeaForester is a Portugal and Norway-based environmental impact company pioneering large-scale kelp forest restoration. With advanced seaweed nurseries and innovative seaforestation techniques, SeaForester provides low-cost solutions to restore marine ecosystems, strengthen fisheries, and sequester carbon at a meaningful scale. SeaForester has a proven business model offering clients worldwide an alternative to planting trees on land. Its mission is to restore 100,000 hectares of kelp forests by 2040.

About Seaweed Solutions (SES)

Seaweed Solutions supplies premium seaweed seed lines and cultures to cultivators worldwide, as well as operating a flagship farm near Trondheim, Norway. Its 15+ years of R&D and seaweed farming experience has made SES a leader in seaweed farming in Europe, supporting large-scale seaweed farms with high quality seed material (e.g., Saccharina, Laminaria, Alaria), and a scalable, land-free crop model.

Learn more at: www.seaweedsolutions.com

Aquamarine – Impact Capital Partners (www.aqmcap.com) acted as financial advisor to SF and SES and is mandated lead advisor on the upcoming capital raise. Aquamarine is a blue economy focused impact investment bank.

General Enquiries

Ari Greenberg, SeaForester, +351 912 051 685, ari@seaforester.org

Jon Funderud, Seaweed Solutions, +47 986 46 803, funderud@seaweedsolutions.com

Investor Enquiries

Paul Martin, Aquamarine, +44 7748 334546, paul.martin@aqmcap.com