In this research article, use of bovine serum albumin, a protein with a free amine (−NH2) functional group, is demonstrated for the preparation of protein-functionalized aerogel membranes (PFAMs) utilizing naturally occurring genipin as a cross-linking agent. PFAMs were characterized using SEM, FT-IR, solid-UV, and TGA. PFAMs are highly stable and recyclable under aqueous conditions and were successfully tested for efficient separation of an oil spill as well as an emulsion under gravity-driven force. PFAMs produced ∼98% pure water with a high flux rate ranging from 430 to 605 L·m–2·h–1 for lab-scale separations under gravity. PFAMs were tested for their biodegradability under soil conditions. This work is one of the best examples for the development of environmentally friendly porous membranes using abundant seaweed biomass through cross-linking chemistry of proteins.