Tromsø, Norway

Think Blue,
Think Green

Enhancing health — on the ocean’s terms. Turning invasive sea urchins into sustainable value for aquaculture.

80B+

Sea urchins along the Norwegian coast

5,000

km² of kelp forest lost

40%

Global kelp decline in recent decades

1

Solution that restores and creates value

Our Story

The story of the
kelp forest

Along the Norwegian coastline, over 80 billion sea urchins have devastated kelp forests. Around 5,000 km² of kelp forest have been lost, grazed down to barren marine deserts where vibrant ecosystems once thrived.

The kelp forests are one of the world’s largest and most important carbon sinks on earth, serving as marine habitat for organisms and life along the coast. This is a major ecological problem.

However, where there are problems, solutions can often be found. Marine Spark X aims to be part of the solution.

Sea urchin on rocky seabed along the Norwegian coast
UrchinEcoMeal product — fine powder supplement

Product

UrchinEcoMeal

Enhancing health — on the ocean’s terms

UrchinEcoMeal is a natural and sustainable dietary supplement developed from the green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis). This product is rich in essential nutrients, including vital vitamins and minerals, supporting a balanced and robust diet for aquaculture.

By utilizing green sea urchins, which naturally contain these nutrients, UrchinEcoMeal provides a healthy and sustainable supplement solution through advanced bioconversion technologies.

Contact for more information

Bioconversion

Advanced bioconversion technology transforms sea urchins into high-value nutritional compounds for aquaculture feed.

Natural Carotenoids

Rich in natural carotenoids, essential minerals, and vitamins that promote optimal health in farmed fish.

Circular Economy

Every sea urchin harvested helps restore kelp forests while creating sustainable value for the aquaculture industry.

Sustainability

Restoring the ocean’s balance

Marine Spark X is committed to driving sustainable innovation, reducing our environmental footprint, and contributing to healthier marine ecosystems and thriving local communities.

Strengthening Coastal Communities

Creating sustainable solutions that generate local jobs and foster social responsibility, contributing to vibrant and resilient coastal societies.

Protecting Marine Ecosystems

Implementing circular resource models that reduce environmental impact and restore the blue forest for future generations.

Innovative Growth

Through cutting-edge technology and innovative methods, we transform marine challenges into valuable resources, driving sustainable growth within the blue economy.

Collaboration

Uniting forces across academia, voluntary organizations, local communities and industry to drive transformative change and ensure responsible resource use.

Diver exploring kelp forest restoration site
“40% of kelp forests have disappeared in recent decades. Marine Spark X supports restoration efforts to ensure regrowth in Northern Norway.”

Restoring kelp forests along the Norwegian coastline

Reducing pressure on wild fish stocks used in feed

Supporting biodiversity recovery in arctic waters

Zero-waste processing of harvested sea urchins

Initiatives

Driving positive change

Marine Spark X is committed to driving positive change through a range of forward-thinking initiatives and collaborations. We work with partners across academia, non-profit organizations, and the business sector to support healthier oceans, local communities, and more sustainable industries.

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Team

Our team

Our team holds a broad and diverse foundation of expertise, spanning across multiple fields.

Johan Armstrong Støver

Johan Armstrong Støver

CPO

johan@marinesparkx.com
Martin Oddekalv

Martin Oddekalv

CEO

martin@marinesparkx.com
Elias Nyheim Såstad Solberg

Elias Nyheim Såstad Solberg

CFO

elias@marinesparkx.com
Gustav Vestlie

Gustav Vestlie

CCO

gustav@marinesparkx.com
Maria Davidsen

Maria Davidsen

CIO

maria@marinesparkx.com
Pauline Hanss-Mazzeï

Pauline Hanss-Mazzeï

Research Assistant

Pauline@marinesparkx.com

Partners

Our partners

Marine Spark X collaborates with a wide network of partners from academia, non-profit organizations, and the business sector.

Partner logos: Akvaplan-niva, Troms fylkeskommune, KUPA, MABIT, Aminor, Nofima, UiT, Innovasjon Norge, Arctic Accelerator, Ungt Entreprenørskap, KIME AKVA, SALT, ICE, Ecopang

Stay updated

Follow Marine Spark X on social media and get in touch to learn more about our work and partnership opportunities.

Framstredet 10, Tromsø 9019, Norway · +47 928 85 829

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