Kelp aquaculture. Situated off the coast of Ventura near the pristine waters of Channel Islands National Park, an exciting new industry is being born. We checked in with leading industry voices and GMRI experts to learn more about the impact of farm-raised kelp in the Gulf of Maine. It is designed to provide you with operational and financial information to make Mar 15, 2022 · Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) has to date largely centred on a fed species, often finfish or shrimps, alongside which extractive species, such as bivalves or seaweeds, have been placed. There are three commercially important kelp species in Maine—sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), winged kelp (Alaria esculenta), and horsetail kelp (Laminaria digitata). Seaweed farming or kelp farming is the practice of cultivating and harvesting seaweed. In this study, the attenuation of incident waves by kelp suspended from the surface was quantified. While seaweeds and bivalves are collectively the basis of much of global aquaculture production in marine and coastal areas, their co-culture is less common, though it represents a mature farming system in China (Mao et al. This blog covers the basics of what kelp is, the various benefits of farming kelp, aquaculture farming methods, challenges that new farmers face, as well as resources to get started. That’s a 200 percent increase over the state’s first commercial harvest in 2017. As interest in kelp farming grows, it is essential to understand both its environmental impacts and its potential benefits. In comparison, IMTA systems excluding a fed component have received little research. Mar 30, 2023 · A recently completed project sought to evaluate the habitat value of kelp aquaculture and kelp-mussel co-culture in the Gulf of Maine, USA, and the Hauraki Gulf, Aotearoa (New Zealand). Dive into the world of sustainable seaweed farming, explore environmental stewardship and versatile culinary options. Apr 15, 2024 · As seaweed farming gains prominence in future blue economies, scientifically robust environmental evaluations are vital. “This was a leap forward for California’s industry and an opportunity to work with our wonderful partners at Hog Island Sustainable aquaculture focuses on the cultivation of crops, typically non-fed, that provide protein while optimizing environmental benefits. Harmonizing life cycle assess… Nov 12, 2024 · Atlantic subtropical seaweed is making waves among scientists who are exploring its potential for economic and environmental benefits for the Sunshine State. Learn more about sugar kelp. However, its kelp aquaculture industry is suffering from declining germplasm diversity, degradation of agronomic t Interest in macroalgae aquaculture is growing. Using peer-reviewed literature, we evaluated whether kelp farms provide biodiversity benefits, and identified only 23 studies that discussed the efects of kelp May 27, 2025 · But their vision is much larger than traceability. , 2018). In Washington State, kelp aquaculture grew out of ocean acidification (OA) research. , 2019) and other parts of Asia. Co-culture – farming of these species side-by-side – and co-location – farming of these species nearby in the same site or area 5 days ago · WWF and Schmidt Marine are the investors backing this funding for environmental impact company SeaForester, a pioneer in kelp restoration. Yet despite their importance, many of the world’s kelp forests are under siege, battered by warming waters, pollution, overfishing, and the loss of key predators. [3][4] Sustainable aquaculture for a changing world. Ward Aquafarms focuses on constantly advancing the technology and methods of aquaculture, making the practice more efficient and safer for workers and the environment. Sustainable sea farming with passion and purpose. There are also economic gains from kelp and seaweed aquaculture, in terms of job creation, contributing to and The farm installation is a landmark moment for Pacific Sea Farms and the entire kelp aquaculture industry in Washington state. Our coastal waters are a public resource, and managed by the state through the DMR. Kelp is a fall-winter crop that comes to harvest size in less than 6 months; typically seeded in October–November and harvested in April–May. This guidebook will help you develop a kelp aquaculture business plan that is comprehensive, flexible, and grounded. Kelp aquaculture can contribute to climate change resilience and help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing ocean acidification and carbon sequestration. There are only three in-water kelp farms in Washington: Blue Dot Sea Farms, Lummi Island SeaGreens, and now, Pacific Sea Farms. For example, farmers in Alaska produced more than 112,000 pounds of sugar, ribbon, and bull kelp in 2019. However, its kelp aquaculture industry is suffering from declining germplasm diversity, degradation of agronomic t Kelp Blue integrates sustainable ocean farming with innovative agricultural solutions. Abstract The biodiversity benefits of kelp aquaculture and aforestation are increasingly acclaimed as the industry continues to grow and develop globally, however, whether farmed kelp can provide this ecosystem service remains unclear. Learn how our ocean-based practices support both environmental restoration and sustainable farming for a better future. To date, commercial aquaculture activities Apr 12, 2021 · By analysing the habitat benefits and impacts of kelp and kelp/mussel co-culture, including during harvest, we hope to provide recommendations on how to optimise the benefits that the aquaculture of low trophic level species can provide, with the overarching goal of informing the sustainable growth of kelp aquaculture in both geographies. Kelp and other seaweeds can be grown for food, animal feed, organic fertilizer, biofuels and other sustainable products. Meet the woman who’s pioneering commercial kelp farming in New York May 30, 2024 · PDF | On May 30, 2024, Wouter Visch and others published Visch et al 2024 - Seaweed Solutions CRCp - Kelp Aquaculture Manual | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate Kelp Farming Click to download What’s in the Water—Kelp Farming fact sheet Kelp farming is a growing industry in Maine, with more than 40 active farms across the state. These data provide useful information for assessing the bioremediation potential of kelp and for guidance in large-scale kelp aquaculture management. Credit: Mike Stekoll, University of Alaska. Larger aquaculture companies in the state are also drawn to seaweed cultivation. If you have any Oct 19, 2025 · Kelp farming, a form of aquaculture, produces commercial goods and restores habitats, according to Meg Chadsey, an expert on ocean acidification from the University of Washington. Sep 27, 2023 · Discover the versatility of seaweed and the contributions of seaweed farming—or seaweed aquaculture—to working waterfronts and environmental sustainability. A team of researchers at the University of Maine in collaboration with Conscience Bay Research have developed a kelp aquaculture model for the Gulf of Maine that maximizes carbon sequestration and cost effectiveness of this natural carbon… Aquaculture of giant kelp Giant kelp Aquaculture of giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, is the cultivation of kelp for uses such as food, dietary supplements or potash. “I would describe Alaska’s aquaculture industry as burgeoning,” states Alicia Bishop, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Alaska Regional Aquaculture Coordinator. Aquaculture allows for controlled breeding and cultivation of fish, shellfish, and seaweed, ensuring a steady supply of seafood without depleting natural resources. Learn more in this guide. " DoAg is responsible for regulating seaweed as a Raw Agricultural Commodity. In an effort to mitigate these risks, researchers at the PNNL Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory and Pete Lynn at Otherlab proposed the idea to replace fiber ropes in aquaculture systems with composite lines. Kelp farming, as well as the farming of various other seaweeds, is a significant and growing industry worldwide as seaweeds, especially kelp, are used for food, medicinal products, additives and bioremediation. S. Jun 1, 2020 · Seaweed farming is often considered as the least environmentally damaging form of aquaculture (Folke et al. , 1998; Roberts and Upham, 2012), with a number of ecosystem services offered by the seaweed (Hasselström et al. Therefore, one of the most straightforward actions to reconcile kelp aquaculture within the existing use of the resource is to integrate the management and planning of kelp harvesting. Aquaculture in the Region In Alaska, marine aquaculture contributes to restoration efforts, and is increasing economic opportunities for coastal communities through the farming of shellfish and seaweed. Apr 30, 2025 · Sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), a brown macroalga, is a vital crop in the burgeoning seaweed aquaculture industry. is used for food, such as the kelp cubes and sea-veggie burgers developed by Maine neighbor Atlantic Sea Farms. This project is part of a Kelp Aquaculture Meg Chadsey, Ocean Acidification Specialist Interest in macroalgae aquaculture is growing. Most of the kelp currently farmed in the U. In its simplest form farmers gather from natural beds, while at the other extreme farmers fully control the crop's life cycle. Aquaculture is the inclusive term for all commercial fish, shellfish, and seaweed farms either ocean or land-based. Jul 26, 2024 · Nature knows best, and that means biodiversity. Kelp doesn’t need any fertilizer, tilling, or watering. For example, it can provide habitat for marine life, decrease erosion along shorelines, absorb excess carbon dioxide and nutrients from the water, and provide food for local communities. To address this challenge, our breeding project selected six sugar kelp crosses to be grown in . Potential negative impacts of kelp aquaculture were identified to be Feb 12, 2024 · Kelp farming is gaining popularity in the State of California, but the permitting process remains water-logged. We adapted an analytical 1D cross-shore wave attenuation model and tested the effect of (1) water depth, (2) vegetation density, and (3 Feb 23, 2022 · The economic model for kelp aquaculture in Maine mirrors the existing way commercial fishing operates with the immediate dockside sales of raw product. Backed by research, a new series of projects that demonstrate integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) techniques are gaining momentum, even in the face of climate and regulatory issues. Apr 7, 2025 · Flores and Douglas harvesting kelp (Credit: Stonington Kelp Company). "The planet has been losing its kelp forests at a truly alarming pace, which means we're losing the habitat critical for healthy fisheries, and one of the planet Jun 5, 2020 · Sea Grant Extension Specialist Luke Gardner explains how aquaculture can help restore giant kelp, reduce methane emissions and help feed our growing population. We love making our living on the beautiful waters of coastal New England and feel a strong commitment to protect and sustain the natural beauty of this wonderful area. Matt Edwards Partnering with California’s first regenerative ocean farm, Sunken Seaweed, the Kelp Ecology Lab researches ecosystem-focused cultivation methods of multipe species of algae, inlcuding those that have potential as a food crop, such as Ogo (Gracilaria Pacifica) and Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca), as well as some that have potential for biofuel and fertilizer, such as Giant Kelp 5 days ago · Scientists check a longline outplanting of sugar kelp at an experimental site near Coghlan Island, Alaska. As a result, we designed a submersible frame made out of HDPE pipe for kelp grow out. Sep 12, 2022 · Cost-effective carbon dioxide removal technologies play a key role in combating climate change. ” Their initiatives come at a time when entrepreneurs globally are bringing to market seaweed-based products Feb 7, 2023 · Kelp aquaculture has many potential benefits to society. Nov 12, 2024 · The primary species grown include oysters, blue mussels, and sugar, ribbon and bull kelp. Mussels provide a zero-freshwater, low carbon protein source Kelp Aquaculture Meg Chadsey, Ocean Acidification Specialist Interest in macroalgae aquaculture is growing. Atlantic Sea Farms’ partner farmers now grow the largest supply of farmed seaweed in the United States. Feb 20, 2025 · The NCCOS Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Team was an Awardee of the MARINER program to carry out, “Geospatial Information Tools and Resources Assessment of Macroalgae Aquaculture for Biofuel Production,” to develop regional and national spatial planning infrastructure and tools, as well as support siting, scalability, and permitting support Jul 8, 2024 · The 2024 kelp harvest season paid over $1 million to fishing families experiencing volatility in the fisheries they have relied on for generations. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) is a type of sustainable aquaculture that is widely recognized as having significant environmental and economic benefits across local, regional, and global scales. By minimizing waste and optimizing the use of harvested kelp, the state’s aquaculture industry showcases a harmonious relationship between economic viability and environmental responsibility. Mar 28, 2022 · Farmed kelp represents a tiny share of Rhode Island’s aquaculture revenue, but Azure Cygler believes that as more people recognize its nutritional and environmental benefits, its popularity will Feb 12, 2021 · Globally, China has the largest scale of kelp cultivation and production operations. 3 days ago · Seaweed farming is the fastest-growing aquaculture sector. In temperate regions, natural communities of the kelp serve key ecosystem functions in sublittoral marine ecosystems, being important perennial primary producers Globally, China has the largest scale of kelp cultivation and production operations. It is also used in cosmetics Kelp aquaculture in the US is in its infancy and new ways are being developed to grow it offshore. This manual contains general information about farming kelp in New England waters. Maine’s aquaculture industry also promotes water quality protection and stewardship of healthy aquatic ecosystems. To generate kelp spores in the nursery you must begin by finding sorus tissue from mature, reproductively active kelp. It is designed to provide you with operational and financial information to make Sep 12, 2022 · Cost-effective carbon dioxide removal technologies play a key role in combating climate change. , 2020), the provision of novel habitats that support distinct communities, and the delivery of biodiversity benefits that are likely different to those of natural Apr 25, 2025 · Sugar kelp is a marine algae widely cultivated and eaten in Asia and growing in popularity in the United States as a nutritious food high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. May 24, 2022 · Development of Saccharina Latissima (Phaeophyceae) Kelp Hatcheries With Year-Round Production of Zoospores and Juvenile Sporophytes on Culture Ropes for Kelp Aquaculture. Sugar kelp can be eaten freshly cooked, or processed into a number of different products, including kelp ‘noodles’, dried kelp, or used as a thickener for food processing. [1][2] Giant kelp contains iodine, potassium, other minerals vitamins and carbohydrates. Potter and Rosen are focused on high-value uses of kelp “off the plate. Maine is developing techniques for culturing kelp on sea farms as a way for fishermen and farmers to Aug 10, 2023 · Suspended kelp canopies have the potential to provide a coastal protection service in addition to their primary function of generating a sustainable resource. While a career shift to aquaculture wasn’t necessarily part of their original vision, growing seaweed has provided an additional career opportunity on the waterway they love. Here, a conceptual model of the human and natural systems supporting this nascent kelp aquaculture sector was developed using Maine, USA as a focal region. Each episode in the series focuses on a different Maine-grown aquaculture product (oysters, mussels, kelp, salmon) and shows the chef making an original recipe alongside MAIC’s Associate Director Emily Whitmore Not even ten years later, Ward Aquafarms & Hatchery is a cutting edge, vertically integrated aquaculture company growing shellfish from their larval state to market size. The Channel Islands Kelp & Mussel Company will be a testbed for modern, sustainable aquaculture techniques, focusing on two core crops: mussels and kelp. And it’s not just kelp and salmon at industrial-scale sites anymore. Dec 10, 2023 · Several studies also point toward positive biodiversity effects resulting from kelp aquaculture, notably positive effects on benthic infauna and mobile pelagic fauna (Visch et al. These methods will greatly improve the feasibility and success of future bull kelp restoration efforts. A former market development executive, Suzie Flores and her husband, Jay Douglas, moved to New England in 2014 to be closer to the water. Nov 1, 2019 · With the development of kelp aquaculture in Maine, there are now multiple users of wild kelp beds. Today, kelp is commercially farmed and harvested for foods and food products. ‘Kelp’ us Expand Maine’s Place-based 5th-6th Curriculum! Educate Maine With a Little Kelp from Our Friends! Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, in collaboration with The World Wildlife Fund, is on a mission to get educational resources about seaweed aquaculture into Maine’s elementary classrooms. This project, Understanding the Habitat Value of Kelp Aquaculture and Kelp-Shellfish Co-culture in Aotearoa and Maine, was an in-water evaluation of the habitat value of temperate kelp and mussel culture and kelp-mussel co-culture in the Gulf of Maine, USA, and the Hauraki Gulf, Aotearoa (New Zealand). The simulation results were compared with growth data from kelp cultivation experiments and in situ observations on coverage of naturally growing kelp. Sep 1, 2022 · The biodiversity benefits of kelp aquaculture and afforestation are increasingly acclaimed as the industry continues to grow and develop globally, however, whether farmed kelp can provide this ecosystem service remains unclear. Nov 8, 2018 · Kelp Aquaculture Cylindrical spools covered with brown baby kelp. Business Planning for Kelp Aquaculture Resources for Prospective Farmers NOAA Sea Grant has developed a comprehensive suite of resources to assist prospective kelp farmers in making decisions. In the marine lab nursery, juvenile kelp was spawned on spools, made of twine wrapped around sections of PVC pipe. Nov 1, 2019 · Kelp farming is increasing along the temperate coastlines of the Americas and Europe. Mature, healthy sorus tissue in sugar kelp is typically found in a strip near the center of the kelp blade and appears darker and slightly raised compared to other tissue. However, its kelp aquaculture industry is suffering from declining germplasm diversity, degradation of agronomic t MAIC, with support from NAAEE eeBlue, developed a series of live-streamed cooking webinars in collaboration with local chefs and aquaculture farmers to increase aquaculture literacy. Sep 15, 2025 · Genetic homogeneity among principal cultivars of the kelp Saccharina japonica was first documented a decade ago in Rongcheng, a historically significa… WWF backs seaweed aquaculture to boost food security, reduce emissions, and support coastal communities through sustainable innovation. Sunken Seaweed is also collaborating with researchers at San Diego State University’s Kelp Ecology Lab to assess the effects of farming on the bay’s ecosystems. We are focused on producing the highest quality, sustainably farmed oysters and sugar kelp products. Developing new kelp cultivars that suit multiple farm conditions is necessary. Thierry Chopin Abstract Ropes from offshore kelp farming have the potential to increase the risk of entanglement to marine mammals such as the North Atlantic Right Whale. Jan 7, 2025 · This post explores the potential of Oceanic Food Forest Design, Seaforestation and ancient regenerative mariculture technologies. Marine aquaculture in Maine is managed by the Department of Marine Resources (DMR). Growing shellfish and seaweed together on an aquaculture farm enhances water quality, creates habitat, and provides a cost-effective and ecologically sustainable food source. The largest kelp farm in North America is located off southeastern Alaska. Island Journal 2016 Aquaculture’s Next Wave Mussels, oysters, and kelp emerging along Maine’s southern coast. This is a process that includes applications, site See full list on wsg. Suzie and Nov 17, 2023 · The first stage of the project was to partner with Cal Poly Humboldt to build a kelp nursery in their lab and train students and professors on seed production and farming techniques. Nov 9, 2023 · Discover how kelp is farmed in Maine. edu Aug 19, 2025 · Beneath the ocean’s surface, vast forests of swaying kelp anchor entire ecosystems, silently filtering carbon, sheltering marine life, and feeding a global fishing industry worth billions. In some regions, unchecked sea urchin May 30, 2019 · Seaweed Aquaculture: Kelp Kelp is a healthy and nutritious sea vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, calcium, iodine, and magnesium. Seaweeds, including kelp, have been harvested for thousands of years by indigenous communities for sustenance. The 2025 Seaweed Raw Feb 1, 2023 · The annual C, N, and P removal by the farmed kelp in Ailian Bay and its offshore waters was then determined. “The IMTA concept is extremely flexible,” as kelp-IMTA pioneer Dr. “Kelp” are large brown marine macroalgae species native to New England and traditionally wild harvested for food. It is designed to provide you with operational and financial information to make rational decisions about kelp aquaculture investment. Using peer-reviewed literature, we evaluated whether kelp farms provide biodiversity benefits, and identified only 23 studies that discussed the effects of kelp “Kelp” are large brown marine macroalgae species native to New England and traditionally wild harvested for food. Mar 19, 2020 · To determine the future potential economic value of the kelp industry in Maine, we interviewed experts in Maine kelp aquaculture, including marine scientists and policy professionals, asking questions regarding projections of kelp aquaculture production and factors that may limit or enhance production (Appendix 1). The economic, ecological, and social frameworks surrounding kelp… Jan 18, 2019 · The results are spatially explicit and may be used to compare the suitability of different regions for kelp cultivation, both inshore and offshore. You must not rely solely on the information contained in this manual as an alternative to advice and direction from your State or Federal regulating agencies. Jun 10, 2022 · But he learned that all kelp aquaculture in the United States takes place in deep water and involves 10-foot-long tendrils that hang from lines suspended underwater, swaying freely in the ocean. The information is based on Ocean Approved’s experiences with learning how to farm and is not to be considered the definitive resource. Dec 13, 2019 · Kelp farming is considered aquaculture, or water-based farming, but growing kelp is more like tending a rather sedentary, self-sufficient flock of sheep than managing a crop. Seaweed Aquaculture Overview The Connecticut Department of Agriculture Bureau of Aquaculture (DoAg) is responsible for licensing Seaweed Producers, which are defined by the Connecticut General Statutes as "any person who engages in the controlled rearing, cultivation and harvesting of seaweed. Could you talk about your background and how you started working with Sea Grant? Future methods for restoration (genetic manipulation, kelp aquaculture, autonomous technology) have the potential to address barriers to restoration (warming oceans, low abundance of existing kelp, high urchin populations), but risks and benefits must be weighted, and considered in context of holistic ocean management. Apr 17, 2023 · How can kelp farming help solve global challenges? A panel of seaweed experts discussed promises, pitfalls and knowledge gaps. washington. The University of Florida and Florida Sea Grant have secured a $250,000 grant from NOAA to investigate seaweed aquaculture cultivated from Florida’s tropical waters. Maine is developing techniques for culturing kelp on sea farms as a way for fishermen and farmers to Globally, China has the largest scale of kelp cultivation and production operations. This three-year research project aims to kickstart a new […] May 30, 2019 · The increasing demand for kelp and kelp products makes these species excellent candidates for aquaculture, especially because they contribute significantly to the health of marine environments. Oct 27, 2020 · The Gulf of Maine is leading the growth of the kelp aquaculture industry in the United States. Dec 17, 2024 · Scientists from Moss Landing Marine Labs developed novel, low-cost, and scalable bull kelp aquaculture methods. Using comparative sampling methodology and equipment, researchers at the University of New England and the University of Auckland, with support from The Nature Conservancy, quantified the abundance and richness Blue Acres AquacultureBased in Southern Rhode Island, we are a family owned and operated shellfish & seaweed aquaculture company. Because macroalgae absorbs nutrients and carbon dioxide as it grows, co-cultivation of macroalgae alongside farmed marine species can help Discover the world of kelp farming and how seaweed aquaculture changes the game! Discover sustainable practices that are revolutionizing marine farming. The DMR requires a lease or license for any cultivation activity that takes place in marine coastal waters. Mar 20, 2025 · Additionally, both shellfish and sea vegetables like kelp, absorb carbon as they grow, reducing the carbon footprint of aquaculture farms and contributing to climate resilience through carbon sequestration. Cultivation All kelp have the same basic life cycle and can be cultivated using similar techniques. Oct 7, 2021 · Here we offer the perspective that scaling up seaweed aquaculture as an emission capture and utilization technology, one supporting a circular bioeconomy, is an imperative to accommodate more than Aquaculture is an enormous topic that has many components adjacent to kelp restoration. In 2021, GreenWave deployed the first commercially permitted bull kelp farm in the state. Apr 11, 2024 · Kelp farming, also known as seaweed aquaculture, has gained attention as a sustainable marine resource with various potential applications. By cultivating Giant Kelp, we enhance marine ecosystems, sequester carbon, and create natural biostimulants that boost farm productivity. As seaweed farms expand, the traditional practice of collecting wild sporophytes will be unsustainable. This essay provides an overview of kelp farming, including its definition, pros and cons, current locations, and… Oct 1, 2025 · In the autumn of 2021, an unprecedented kelp mortality event occurred in the Rongcheng kelp aquaculture area of Shandong Province, China, triggered by… Thus, identifying and addressing the environmental and social impacts of kelp farming in these regions is vital to ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability. Here we report a field study of an IMTA cultivation of the sugar kelp, Saccharina latissima, and the blue Dr. To inform regulators, the public, and the seaweed aquaculture industry, Maritime Blue is seeking a broad economic analysis to identify Washington’s potential unique role in local, domestic, and international seaweed industry, including the best opportunities for economic growth and success.