OUR IDEA
Under Ytan AB is a company that knows that increased biodiversity creates vibrant environments. Biodiversity is the best measure for a single habitat (area) to be well.
We have therefore decided to understand how to build up an increased biodiversity in the Baltic Sea with targeted actions. Create regenerative environments via macroalgae, mussels and seaweed.
We want to learn how to grow this in a controlled way. Habitats with abundant species create environments that build strong ecological chains that create diversity and life.
If we focus efforts in the areas that need help, we will increase the pace of creating a healthy sea. In order to achieve this, we really need two things: innovative collaborations with research and business as well as a large dose of emotional engagement from people.
THE BALTIC SEA IS BEAUTIFUL
“What if we can activate our minds based on the idea that the Baltic Sea is beautiful?” That was the baseline during a talk out on Björkskär on a Thursday evening in September. Joel who is our freediver (and founder) had picked a bigger handful of Ulva filled with tiny little cockles. He had picked it five feet out of the cliff. On the way in from the inspection round.
We were tear-eyed by the shimmered green color. The fresh smell. The beautiful salinity. A few hours later, the algae were in the frying pan with sesame oil and chilli. A perfect start to a dinner, just as obvious to us as a mushroom sandwich to you. The Baltic Sea is an untapped pantry.
During the meal, the discussion continued. The reputation of the Baltic Sea stands in the way of its well-being. Prejudice, mass media and ignorance have created a memorial that is deeply rooted in too many.
That night, the discussion didn't end. What if our project to produce the drinks of Bladderwrack and Ulva can be the starting point on a journey of change that assumes that the Baltic Sea is as beautiful under the surface as above? If, through various actions touching our minds, we can change the bad reputation of the sea. We were convinced and from us there will be initiatives where you will be touched in a new way. Keep an eye out and be close to us and you'll find out more.
Joel, Viktor, Anders och Johan
HIGH BIODIVERSITY IS THE FOUNDATION OF EVERYTHING WE WANT TO ACHIEVE
High biodiversity in the marine environment is crucial for creating and maintaining a healthy sea for several reasons:
1. Robust ecosystem services: Different organisms within an ecosystem perform different functions that contribute to ecosystem services. We stimulate and enable a greater variety of species through different interventions.
2. Genetic diversity: Within each species there is genetic variation that allows adaptation to changing conditions. High biodiversity increases the chances of maintaining genetic diversity and resisting changes in the environment, including climate change.
3. Resistance to diseases and parasites: Increased biodiversity reduces the risk of spreading diseases and parasites within an ecosystem.
4. Stress management: In the marine environment, there are various organisms that specialise in dealing with different types of stress, including changes in water temperature, salinity and contaminants. A diversified community can thus better manage and recover from various pressures.
5. Stability of food chains: If one species is significantly reduced, it can affect the entire food chain, which can have far-reaching consequences for other species. All the way to human use of the sea, like fishing.
Our goal is to both identify measurement methods that ensure that our efforts are useful, and simple tools that are easy to implement to achieve the desired effect.
In summary, high biodiversity creates and maintains a dynamically resilient ocean ecosystem. It also promotes people’s well-being and various economic sectors such as food production, fishing and tourism.
WE WORK ACCORDING TO AGILE PRINCIPLES: FROM 52 PROTOTYPES TO FULL SCALE FOUNDATION IN 3 SEASONS
We are pioneers in creating farming systems for macroalgae and mussel farms in the Baltic Sea. A sea with unique conditions and an extraordinary flora and fauna.
In the summer of 2025 we will test a large lego system of tools according to the illustration. Each part developed for special species and conditions. Right now (Jan-24) there are 52 prototypes in the waters around Björkskär. In 2024, design development of the devices that respond best to the tests will take place.
SEA TRUFFLE. KELP SODA. BLADDERWRACK BROTH - IT’S JUST AS GOOD YOU GET USED TO THE NAMES OF THE NEW DELICACIES
Our culinary journey of discovery has just begun. During the day, we learn to become sea farmers. In the evenings we have fun in the kitchen or visit our restaurant partners. Together we create a new primeur range. As you already see on the plate or in the glasses of a number of exciting restaurants around the Baltic Sea.
In addition to having developed two unique food drinks (Green Beanies Craftsoda), we are working on other product ideas. Many of them are tested live via our catering business or as meals to visitors at Björkskär. The macro algae taste fantastic as primeurs. Sesame fried Ulva with chili is a starter that gets stuck in the memory bank. Our tested sea truffle mayonnaise lifts all other seafood. Our broths are real broths. Gradually, we will present new products and collaborations that highlight the region’s food experiences.
Below the surface there is an unutilised food industry*
Local food production is becoming more and more important. We also need to eat healthier. Something that meets in algae cultivation. A future form of production that has many advantages:
No need for water or manure.
Enhances biodiversity and removes nutrients. Purifies the sea.
Are nutritious.
Are future carbon sinks (like the forest).
Creating new product areas. Increase entrepreneurship in local areas.
*) A debate article in Dagens Industri on 18 January 2024 was entitled with this sentence. The aim was to reword the Environmental Code so that it becomes more exclusive to grow algae. We thank the authors for the initiative, which we support 100 %, and an unusually well formulated title.
OUR MANIFESTO
Under Ytan works on the basis of a sustainable manifesto. It creates clarity for everyone who works with us. In addition, it simplifies our internal processes:
1. All our activities in the sea should have a regenerative effect
2. We conduct transparent and event-based research on macroalgae and mussels in the Baltic Sea
3. In the sea we work with local (from the Baltic coasts) species & tools
4. We develop farming techniques to improve the marine environment and biodiversity
5. We harvest in the wild-growing marine environment in our processing processes
6. Our cultivated and harvested raw materials are only processed in Baltic-close industries and restaurants
7. We strive for “zerowaste” in our processing
8. We want as many people as possible in the Baltic Sea region to experience algae & seaweed in their culinary journey of discovery
9. All profits from the company are reinvested in regenerative efforts in the Baltic Sea