It’s hard to grasp the scale of giant kelp unless you’ve seen it. It’s, well, giant. It grows longer than 150 feet from top to bottom, forming swaying forests teeming with underwater life. But you probably have seen giant kelp, just at the store. Not only as food, but also in cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. And the market for seaweed keeps growing.
Enter Ocean Rainforest, a seaweed company with a pilot farm located in Santa Barbara, California, and farms in the Faroe Islands. By growing giant kelp, they’re producing high-quality seaweed for scientific research. Javier Infante, chief research officer at Ocean Rainforest, leverages his marine biology and engineering background to grow, process, and develop new products with giant kelp.
“I’m excited about the growing recognition of seaweed farming and the increasing demand for sustainable products,” said Infante. “But I wish more people knew about the environmental benefits of kelp farming and its potential to address global challenges like climate change.”
Scientists, including Infante, are exploring how kelp interacts with the marine environment. All wild and farmed kelp is highly effective at absorbing carbon into its tissues.
Kelp is also extremely versatile, used as an ingredient in everything from pharmaceuticals to plastic alternatives and biofuels. It can be grown for human consumption and as livestock feed. Some research suggests that cattle fed on a seaweed diet produce less methane.“Working on the cutting edge of marine science keeps the job exciting and fulfilling,” said Infante. “Knowing our efforts help create a more sustainable future for our oceans and planet is incredibly gratifying.”
Farming in the Open Ocean
Ocean Rainforest is located in the Santa Barbara Channel, about four and a half miles from Santa Barbara harbor, in water more than 250 feet deep. This is the open ocean. Current speeds can reach 2 miles per hour and waves can reach up to 18 feet high. All this action means that the waters are extremely productive and rich in biodiversity. A challenging location for farmers, but a great environment for growing kelp.
“Seaweed farming in the open ocean offers numerous economic and environmental benefits while avoiding conflicts that can arise in crowded nearshore waters,” said Infante. “We employ advanced farming techniques that do not require fresh water, fertilizer, or pesticides, and monitor farm conditions closely to ensure sustainability for the ocean.”
Giant kelp is grown on longlines suspended in the water column, which allows the seaweed to grow efficiently and be harvested easily. Traditionally, farmed seaweed starts its life in a hatchery—grown on twine in tanks for about 2 months. Ocean Rainforest is doing something different. They’re seeding ropes with microscopic seaweeds and deploying them directly in the open ocean. “This method is much simpler and more resource efficient,” said Infante.
The seeded kelp lines are suspended horizontally in the water, about 30 feet below the surface. There the kelp absorbs light and nutrients, quickly growing upwards and creating habitats for diverse marine life. After about 6 months the seaweed reaches the surface, forming a canopy. That’s when the giant kelp is ready for harvest.
Growing Kelp Sustainably in California
For seaweed farmers, sustainability means many different things. It means developing technologies to adapt to our changing climate. It means growing seaweed in harmony with the environment and minimizing impacts on wildlife. And it means growing a business that supports living-wage jobs and working waterfronts. And to achieve sustainability, public input is crucial.
An important facet of a sustainable business is developing healthy relationships with coastal communities. “We engage with local communities and stakeholders, incorporating their feedback and fostering collaboration to maintain transparency and trust,” said Infante.
To foster these discussions, Ocean Rainforests hosts educational talks for the community about the science of seaweed. They offer internships to local students, providing hands-on experience. They engage with the local fishing community to discuss project plans and address concerns. And by employing local boat captains and other workers, the farm is channeling resources back into Santa Barbara’s coastal economy.
“These relationships are crucial as they help build trust and support within the community, ensuring smoother operations and fostering collaboration,” said Infante. “Engaging the Santa Barbara community not only enhances our credibility and acceptance but also contributes to the local economy and promotes a shared commitment to environmental sustainability.”
Aquaculture Fun Fact
Giant kelp is one of the fastest growing lifeforms on earth, growing up to 2 feet per day! This rapid growth highlights its potential as a sustainably farmed species.
Recipe: Giant Kelp Slaw
Ingredients
Slaw
1/2 head of green cabbage, shredded
3C4 carrots, julienned
2 blades of giant kelp, julienned,
2V3 green onions, chopped
2–3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
1/2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 tbsp soy sauce
Juice from half a lime
Instructions
In a large bowl thoroughly toss the cabbage, carrots, fresh kelp, green onions, and sesame seeds. Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, mix well. Drizzle onto slaw, mix, and enjoy!
