Sam Elsom
A passionate environmentalist, Sam is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Sea Forest, a Tasmanian company using seaweed to tackle one of agriculture’s biggest climate challenges: methane emissions from livestock.
The key is Asparagopsis, a native red seaweed with extraordinary potential. When added in small amounts to cattle feed, it can reduce methane emissions by up to 98%. Under Sam’s leadership, Sea Forest became the first company in Australia to cultivate Asparagopsis at commercial scale, operating from the east coast of Tasmania.
Image Credit: Paul Redding
“The optimism and can-do attitude of people here have helped us no end. The appetite of farmers to engage with the solution to methane emissions has been overwhelming and sign that everyone recognises they have a role to play in reducing global emissions.”
– Sam Elsom – taken from the BET Magazine: Summer 23 Edition
Driven by science and innovation, Sea Forest is already making impact. In 2024, it partnered with local dairy producer Ashgrove to release one of the world’s first low-methane milks, and was named a finalist in the prestigious Earthshot Prize.
For Sam, the journey started long before Sea Forest. He spent over 15 years in sustainability – from founding one of Australia’s first ethical fashion labels to supporting community development in India. But it was seaweed that offered a breakthrough: a natural solution to one of the planet’s most potent greenhouse gases.
Key Roles & Contributions
- MD & Co-Founder, Sea Forest – Advancing seaweed-based climate solutions.
- Industry Partnerships – Collaborating with Ashgrove Dairy, Fonterra, and UK retailer Morrisons.
- Earthshot Prize Finalist – Recognised internationally for environmental innovation.
- Former Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneur – Founded an early Australian ethical apparel brand.
Sam Elsom is helping demonstrate how Tasmania can contribute practical, science-led solutions to global climate challenges.
You can find out even more by reading the Summer Edition of the Business Events Tasmania Magazine where we have a feature article on Sam.