Looking for other newbies to learn+grow with

[christy]

(with the exception of my dear new friend, Den, in Alaska - you rock, Den!!)…
…based on this message board and all of my outreach to those in the industry who have inspired me in my research as I seek to move back to the coast and dedicate myself to improving the health of our world and oceans via reforestation of kelp and/or kelp farming, I have gleaned that if I am not currently active as a farmer or otherwise a pioneer deeply embedded in the industry I do not exist and am not worthy of engagement.
well, we all have to start somewhere and my 40+ years of knowledge and boundless passion must count for something, yeah? I’m looking to connect and network with other likeminded individuals who geek out on this stuff and would like to support and grow with one another. It can be daunting to shift our life sails in a new direction, especially when we’re so excited to jump in head first and roll up our sleeves and learn all we can…and we feel small and alone.

• do you annoy your friends and family because this is all you talk about?
• would you like to own and operate a farm in the not-so-distant future?
• are you interested in all of the many ways kelp may be processed and repurposed?
• do you have a heart for our planet and seek to work with the natural rhythms of the earth to benefit environmental/sea life/human health?
• do you have a personal bond and/or real world experience with the ocean?
• are you generally frustrated by this world and hungry to make a difference?
• are you humble and kind and passionate and interested in relocating to wherever you will have the most impact?

if yes to any/all of the above…
great, I love you already. You are who I’m looking for. Please reach out, my door is always open. Let’s work together to achieve our goals and support one another. I promise I will work tirelessly to ensure we maximize and benefit from our time together. there is zero pressure to be perfect or have all the answers…we’ll figure it out together. Seasoned vets who don’t look down their noses at budding sea stewards are also welcomed.
I cannot wait to meet you!
🏴‍☠️🩵🌊🌱🌎
christy

[craig_lewis]

@christy_hanlon2414
Well sounds like you have the Passion.
Maybe you like to become a SeaRancher with www.searanchfarms.com
Will be starting the Business Plan this week. And complete in less than 3 months. But a team together and get investment to Build

[virginia_litovich]

@christy_hanlon2414
Hey Christy,
I hear you— making connections can be difficult, especially remotely. If you have been reaching out to folks in the past couple of months, many people have been very busy with harvesting and often immediately jump to summer projects, vacations, and trips with limited wifi/phone access. Don't be discouraged! There are amazing and generous people in the industry. Congrats on your decision to move to the coast, I bet that being in close proximity will help those connections along!
In the meantime, I hope you take a peek at the the online resources we have built for people just like you. You can take a look at the Permitting Agency Directory to check out permitting regulations per state ahead of your move. I highly encourage you to watch previous recordings of our Intro to Kelp, Farmer Forum, and Sea to Sale trainings. There's still time to join some live  Sea to Sale webinars this summer but we will be back starting in the fall with the rest of our live programming. Maybe you will have luck making connections at a future Farmer Forum!
Wishing you the best of luck in your ocean farming journey (and a great summer ) ,
Gigi