Atlantic Sea Farms Charts a New Course with $3.8 Million in Equity and Leadership Transition

Atlantic Sea Farms, the leading seaweed farming company in the United States, has secured $3.8 million in equity funding to fuel its ongoing expansion and innovation initiatives. Alongside this milestone, a leadership transition has been announced: Briana Warner, who has served as CEO for the past five years, will take on a new role as a strategic advisor. Meanwhile, Mikel Durham, an experienced seafood industry executive and a current board member of Atlantic Sea Farms, will step into the position of interim CEO at the end of January.

Durham brings an extensive background in the food industry, having held executive roles at major companies such as Pepsico and CSM Bakery Solutions. She previously served as CEO of American Seafoods, Alaska’s leading pollock harvester. Her board experience includes serving on Tyson’s board and her current position on the boards of Yum China—the largest restaurant group in China—and the Marine Stewardship Council. Known for her expertise in brand building and market development, Durham also shares a strong enthusiasm for Atlantic Sea Farms’ mission, which emphasizes the environmental and community benefits of kelp farming.

Warner, who has led the company since 2018, played a pivotal role in its transformation. During her tenure, Atlantic Sea Farms expanded from working with two farmers producing 30,000 pounds of seaweed to collaborating with 40 partner farmers who harvested over 1.3 million pounds in 2024. Under her leadership, the company became the nation’s top seaweed producer and introduced a range of innovative seaweed-based products, which are now available in over 4,000 retail locations. The company also established high-profile partnerships in the ingredient and food service sectors.

In a press release, Warner reflected on her time at the helm of Atlantic Sea Farms, describing it as a privilege to work alongside a dedicated team of farmers and staff. She expressed pride in building a mission-driven company that prioritizes people, the planet, and its farmers. Warner emphasized her excitement about continuing to contribute as a strategic advisor and voiced confidence in Durham’s ability to guide the company through its next phase of growth.

Durham, in turn, shared her enthusiasm for leading the company, noting that she had long admired Atlantic Sea Farms’ innovative approach to ocean farming and its focus on seed research and market development. She stated that she was honored to support the team and stakeholders during this period of transition.

The announcement of new leadership coincides with Atlantic Sea Farms’ successful equity raise, which was supported by a group of mission-aligned investors, including True Wealth Ventures, Third Nature Investors, and Builders Bridge. Durham emphasized that the funding would enable the company to build on its momentum and amplify its positive impact on the industry and its stakeholders.

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