kelp mitigation - Seaweed Commons

Kelp Mitigation

Kelp mediation calls for the bioremediation of polluted waterways with farmed kelp, and the translation of that biomass into compost and land amendments.

The soupy water along our urban waterfronts archives the edges of a global economy. Petrochemicals and runoff linger at the shore, sometimes causing harmful algal growth. Kelps, brown seaweeds, have bioremediative properties and can absorb and capture excess nutrients and toxins in the water column. The seaweeds photosynthesize, fix carbon, oxygenate the water column, bob and sway and absorb storm surges. When brought to shore and distributed, this nutrient-rich biomass can aid deficiencies on land.

Thoughtful kelp mitigation projects can be integrated with urban agroforestry projects. The terrestrial and the aquatic systems operating in harmony. It is important to distinguish between kelp mediation as a tool for remediation and nutrient cycling from massive corporate aquaculture projects; not all aquaculture is the same.

Kelp Mitigation Projects:

Sunken Seaweed

The first seaweed farm in California aims to practice regenerative methods of kelp mitigation. This 1/4 acre ocean farm is about 25 feet deep and grows many different species of seaweed at different depths including Ogo, Sea Lettuce, and Giant Kelp. Sunken Seaweed collaborates with San Diego State University’s Kelp Ecology Lab and the Port of San Diego.

Kelp Mitigation Resources:

NOAA Aquaculture Opportunity Areas

An Aquaculture Opportunity Area is a small, defined geographic area that has been evaluated to determine its potential suitability for commercial aquaculture. NOAA will use a combination of scientific analysis and public engagement to identify areas that are environmentally, socially, and economically appropriate for commercial aquaculture.

Gulf of Maine Responsibly Harvested Verification Report Kelp