Development of Native Kelp Culture System Technologies to Support Sea Vegetable Aquaculture in New England Coastal Waters

This Phase II research expands Phase I research on Saccharina latissima and is to design and develop “seed” nursery methodologies for the development of commercial-scale production of juvenile kelp plants including Alaria esculenta and Laminaria digitata. The project objectives include: 1. Isolate and maintain cultures of New England species of Alaria esculenta and laminaria digitata to be used as “seed stock” for the production of juvenile plants. 2. Identify and develop the highest yield strains of Saccharina latissima, Alaria esculenta and Laminaria digitata. 3. Develop efficient, cost effective, and scalable production, transport, grow-out, and harvest methodologies with sufficient simplicity to accommodate participation of a medium skilled workforce. 4. Create a detailed protocol for culture maintenance and production of young kelp plants to facilitate transfer of the technology to other commercial entities and educational institutions. This project is a collaborative effort between Ocean Approved, the University of Connecticut, and the Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science Technology Education Center, and supports the development of a new aquaculture sector, allowing the United States to participate in the US$7 billion dollar cultivated sea vegetable market.