Kelp Farming: Promises, Pitfalls, and What We Still Don’t Know

Can kelp farming make the world a better place? Around the globe, seaweed aquaculture is booming, with everyone from government officials to Jeff Bezos jumping on board. The industry is taking off on the west coast of North America, where plans for new kelp farms are popping up everywhere. Advocates tout seaweed farming as a solution to hunger, poverty, greenhouse gas emissions, and the degradation of ocean ecosystems. But so far, evidence is thin. Many questions remain.

Join Rebecca Martone, marine ecologist and executive director of the Ocean Decade Collaborative Center for the Northeast Pacific, and expert panelists for an engaging discussion on kelp farming, its promises and pitfalls. They’ll cover what we know about the potential environmental and social impacts of seaweed aquaculture—including creating fish habitat, combating climate change, and generating revenue for coastal communities—as well as what’s still unknown.

[mazaspen]

I wish I had been there for the live panel. This is fantastic. Even promoting so many more questions, these speakers covered so many interesting aspects. I still have more questions!

[antoninorex]

My Goal in Kelp Aquaculture is to become economically self sustaining, provide employment for my indigenous relatives in the south pacific, and leave behind a legacy for my children and future generations to become environmentally concious farmers.

[verakochetova-qv]

Everything was interesting, especially about oil-kelp cake, was it severe contamination? I was a zooplankton hydrobiologist and progressed into many other branches of nature sciences including technical aspects. Thanks to my English. We have kelp farming along the North Primorye coast of Tatarsky Strait. Welcome, please!

[AlexH]

Will you be posting a recording of the "Student & New Professional" segment of this webinar for public consumption?

[lynnforrest]

What is the title of the pre-print article that Nichole price mentioned? Thank-you!