New Tool Slashes Kelp Farming Costs by 85%, Making Ocean Cultivation Viable
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📰 The quick summary: A new economic modeling tool developed by researchers can reduce kelp farming costs by up to 85%, making offshore seaweed cultivation more economically viable for Maine farmers.
📈 One key stat: The model identified improvements that cut the projected cost of production from $2,618 to just $383 per tonne of fresh kelp – an 85% reduction that makes offshore kelp farming economically viable.
💬 One key quote: “By using this tool to investigate the comprehensive implications of any given farm design or operational decision, we can help kelp farmers meaningfully reduce production costs and achieve economic sustainability,” said project lead Zach Moscicki, ocean engineer with Kelson Marine.
1️⃣ The big picture: Researchers from Kelson Marine and the University of Maine have created a sophisticated economic modeling tool that helps kelp farmers significantly reduce production costs. This tool analyzes various factors including site selection, weather patterns, vessel types, and operational approaches to identify cost-saving strategies. When tested on a hypothetical 1,000-acre offshore sugar kelp farm, the model demonstrated potential cost reductions of 85%. This breakthrough addresses a major challenge for Maine’s growing kelp industry, where many new farmers lack reliable cost analysis tools needed to build sustainable business plans.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The dramatic cost reduction from $2,618 to $383 per tonne makes offshore kelp farming economically viable for the first time. Farmers can now make informed decisions about farm design, equipment choices, and operational strategies that optimize profitability rather than relying on guesswork. The comprehensive nature of the tool means improvements can be understood holistically, preventing unintended consequences from narrow-focused changes. This breakthrough could accelerate the growth of sustainable kelp farming in Maine and beyond, creating economic opportunities while producing a versatile crop used in foods, cosmetics, fertilizers, and potentially biofuels.
3️⃣ What’s next: Kelp growers interested in having their operations analyzed can contact the researchers directly to apply the tool to their specific situations. The team is continuing to refine the model based on real-world implementations and feedback. Ongoing support from various funding sources, including federal programs, suggests further development and wider adoption of the tool throughout the industry.
Read the full story here: University of Maine – New research uncovers a surprisingly cheap way to farm kelp offshore
