Champion of New Zealand seaweeds and premium seaweed products
Thank you for visiting us at Premium Seas!
We look forward to sharing our journey with you.
Our driven team combines decades of aquaculture, product development and seaweed expertise. Supported by a highly engaged stakeholder network, Premium Seas are committed to the development of a prosperous seaweed sector within New Zealand.
“Premium Seas are a champion of New Zealand seaweeds and premium seaweed products. We believe that New Zealand has huge potential to participate in the enormous economic, environmental, social and health benefits available from seaweeds. ”
Lucas Evans – CEO Premium Seas Limited
Premium Seas supporting the delivery of a seaweed farming pilot in the Hauraki Gulf
Premium Seas is supporting the delivery of an innovative seaweed farming pilot in the Hauraki Gulf which will provide an important basis to the establishment of seaweed farming within New Zealand.
The three-year pilot includes the development of a seaweed hatchery, trialling on-water farming techniques, developing approaches to land-based processing, data monitoring, and measuring. The project is led by EnviroStrat, a natural resource and sustainability leader with funding support from the Ministry for Primary Industries, Sustainable Food, and Fibre Futures Fund, and Auckland Council.The University of Waikato researchers Dr Marie Magnusson and Dr Rebecca Lawton will oversee the research and trial designs, with input from the University of Auckland’s marine science faculty.
Premium Seas, with the support of Gold Ridge Marine Farm, will facilitate access to water space and provide operational oversight for the Pilot delivery in Coromandel. Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki will provide additional recently consented marine farming space to support the pilot.
Premium Seas Chief Executive Officer, Lucas Evans says “the establishment of seaweed farming within New Zealand is critical to realising the full benefits of this emerging sector. There are vast environmental, economic, and social benefits to be realised. Importantly, seaweed is a sequester carbon dioxide, it improves water quality and absorbs contaminants, as well making a positive broader contribution to marine ecosystems”
Our Leadership Team
Our driven leadership team combines decades of aquaculture, product development and seaweed expertise. Supported by a highly engaged stakeholder network, Premium Seas are committed to the development of a prosperous seaweed sector within New Zealand.
Lucas Evans
CEO
Lucas is dedicated to the establishment of a thriving seaweed sector within New Zealand and has lead innovation and development activities with seaweeds within New Zealand since 2012.
Lucas’ earlier career has included the delivery of strategic change management projects which equip him to contribute to the establishment of new approaches and advance the sector.
Joe Kouwenhoven
Chairman of the Board
Joe is passionate about the development of the seaweed industry within New Zealand and contributes over 45 years of seafood industry involvement, executive leadership and business management expertise to the Premium Seas team.
Still currently involved and owning seafood businesses overseas, Joe is well placed to market product around the world through existing and new contacts .
Gilbert James
Director
Fourth generation of the Coromandel James family. He had a career in shearing before joining the corporate world at New Zealand Starch Products in Onehunga where he had a key role as the Production Supervisor in the commissioning of their new maize factory.
Founder of mussel aquaculture industry in the Coromandel with decades of experience leading the development of a successful independent marine farm, Gilbert’s appetite for innovation and the development of seaweed aquaculture and products is a fundamental driver for Premium Seas in achieving its vision.
Dave Blyth
Director
Dave is a highly experienced aquaculture farm manager with excess of 40 years leading operational mussel farming activities.
Dave successfully links strategy with operational application to develop solutions for the Premium Seas team.
Lloyd Preston
CFO
Lloyd is an experienced accounting practitioner, member of CAANZ and contributes his expertise to Premium Seas corporate leadership, strategic planning and project implementation.
He is passionate about agriculture, sustainability and the development of renewable products that benefit the earth, humanity, plants and animals.
2023 New Zealand seafood sustainability awards
Premium Seas New Zealand is proud to be a Finalist in the Operational Innovator and Market Innovator categories of the 2023 New Zealand seafood sustainability awards.
