US: A lifeline for The Last Frontier; Kodiak’s kelp farms are set to expand

Two pioneering kelp farms in Kodiak, Alaska, are trying to revitalize the local economy by starting a mariculture industry. The farms are currently facing a lack of demand for their crops and are seeking ways to diversify by growing different species and shellfish. They are also exploring ways to stabilize and process the kelp at scale. The farms believe that the kelp could provide habitat for local fish and are conducting studies to document these benefits. The article is part of a project highlighting the region's mariculture sector.

The cold waters around Kodiak Island, on the eastern bend of the Gulf of Alaska, have been a source of sea riches for far-away customers for centuries. However, past overharvesting, climate change and changing markets have led to a decline in fisheries. In response, two pioneering kelp farms have been putting down the foundations for a mariculture industry which they hope will bring back jobs, keep their communities thriving and potentially give back to the fisheries that remain the backbone of the island’s economy. Since 2016, Nick Mangini has been running Kodiak Island Sustainable Seaweed (KISS Kelp) which makes him the most experienced seaweed farmer in the state. As a former salmon fisher and a Kodiak native, he was looking for ways to build new economic drivers on the island. “I see an idle harbour right now. There is a lot of downtime in May between fishing seasons, not just the boats but the workforce as well. Our canneries have an entire month where they don't have ...