A pioneering West Cork-based marine biotechnology company is launching Ireland’s first health supplement range made from native red seaweed, marking a major milestone for the country’s emerging seaweed-based economy.
The nutraceutical range from Pure Ocean Algae based on the Beara Peninsula has gone to market in Ireland and the UK, with plans to expand into EU and Asian markets later in 2026.
The new nutraceutical line includes three products – a hair and nail revitalising supplement, a cognitive-support supplement designed to aid focus and memory, and a hormone-balance formula. The launch represents the culmination of several years of research, investment, and innovation.
Pure Ocean Algae was founded in 2019 after Pure Ocean founder and CEO Michael O’Neill, an engineer and former commercial fisherman, turned his focus to sustainable aquaculture. He recognised the potential of farming seaweed, a regenerative crop that requires no fertiliser, freshwater, or land, to provide both environmental and economic value, while creating jobs in coastal regions.
‘This is just the beginning,’ he said.
‘We’re building a platform for Ireland to become a global leader in seaweed-based wellness. The potential is enormous – and we’re only starting to tap into it.’
Red seaweed or Palmaria palmata, commonly known as Dulse or Dillisk, has historically been wild-harvested but Pure Ocean Algae has built Ireland’s first end-to-end production platform for the seaweed, managing the full lifecycle from hatchery to growing sites to processing. This system ensures consistent quality and traceability, an important requirement for nutraceutical production.
Red seaweeds such as Dulse are increasingly valued for their bioactive compounds, including natural proteins and amino acids, minerals such as iodine, magnesium and iron and antioxidants and micronutrients.
Over the past two years, Pure Ocean Algae has invested heavily in research and development, including human trials conducted with researchers at the University of Limerick to assess the functional benefits of Dulse extracts. Early findings related to metabolic and digestive health prompted the company’s move into the broader functional-foods and nutraceutical space.
‘The red seaweed we cultivate is vastly different from wild-harvested dulse,’ Michael O’Neill explained.
‘Because we control every stage of its development, we can enhance its bioactive properties and ensure a clean, consistent ingredient suitable for wellness applications. This is the foundation of our new product range. Ireland’s seaweed farming sector is still in its infancy, but with international demand for marine-derived ingredients across food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements, there is huge potential.’
Pure Ocean Algae has already secured significant private investment which will allow it to expand its sea sites across West Cork and scale its hatchery to support year-round production. The company’s approach coupling biotechnology with a deep understanding of coastal ecosystems has attracted attention from researchers, investors, and industry partners across Europe and Asia.
‘Seaweed is one of the world’s most sustainable crops,’ he said.
‘By focusing on high-functionality red seaweeds and developing premium nutraceutical ingredients, we can help transform coastal economies while bringing science-driven products to consumers.’
‘This launch is an excellent example of how Irish marine innovation is moving up the value chain,’ commented BIM acting CEO Richard Donnelly.
‘Pure Ocean Algae is showing how sustainably farmed native seaweed, backed by strong research and commercial ambition, can create high-value products for global health and wellness markets. It highlights the significant opportunity for coastal communities when science, sustainability and enterprise come together.’
