Farmer Forum: Nursery Operations
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Hi all, we just had our first Farmer Forum of the 24-25 kelp season! The topic of conversation was Nursery Operations. Watch the recording
Leading the conversation were 4 nursery operators from around the US:- Maggie Aydlett (GreenWave, CT) @margaret_aydlett
- Michael Mahmood (Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute, AK) @michael_mahmood
- Nicole Potter (Maine Family Seafarms, ME) @nicole_potter7621
- Lexa Meyer (Alaska Ocean Farms, AK) @lexa_meyer99
Below are some Questions and Answers discussed during the forum. Don't hesitate to ask the community more questions as nursery season progresses!
Q: Is the protein skimmer used to release the spores?
A: No, the protein skimmer is part of the initial water treatment process. A protein skimmer is a filtration device that removes waste and organic nutrients using a process called "foam fractionation”. A skimmer pump creates thousands of tiny air bubbles in water, which creates a foam. The waste clings to the bubbles and is transported to the skimmer's collection cup. The foam collects in the collection cup and is removed from the system. After the protein skimmer the water goes through more filters, once it is filtered down to 0.2 microns is used for Nursery Operations.
Q: Do farmers need fresh seed every season - or do prior year planting regenerate?
A: If you are seeding your spools with spores, new material is required every year. If you are seeding your spool with gametophytes you can maintain a seedstock, which limits the amount of wild collection necessary. Gametophytes do require year round care though.
Q: What was the Fahrenheit temperature at which kelp grows best?
A: 50 degrees fahrenheit, 11 degrees celsius is the standard, but other temperatures can work. Higher temperatures can be fatal, lower temperatures can slow growth.
Q: What is the concentration of bleach water that you use?
A: Standard 10% bleach to water ratio— household bleach.
Q: Does every farm have a nursery? Or do farmers come to nurseries to purchase spools?
A: Not every farm has a hatchery. Typically, farmers will work with regional nurseries and buy spools from them.
Q: After you wind twine on the spools and bag them, do you place them in a freezer until you are ready to use them?
A: Using the holdfast seedstring, we have wound them and leached them and stored them in the freezer.
