Is starting a kelp farm unrealistic for folks without an existing vessel / fishing equipment?
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I am extremely interested in starting a kelp farm after I move back to the East Coast in a year or two and so I figured I better start the research and preparation process now. I heard about Greenwave a few years ago and fell in love with the idea. I have a Bachelor's degree in fisheries conservation and have 4+ years of experience as a community engagement professional. I've always wanted to combine the two and starting this business seems like a perfect fit. However, in my research, I found this quote: " The first thing to know about starting a kelp farm is that, if you don’t already have the equipment from fishing (like a vessel, and the knowledge of setting moorings and lines, social capital), it will be prohibitively expensive." Does this ring true to folks? Should I just step back from this venture now? Should I instead being looking at opportunities to work for organizations like Greenwave instead of opening up my own farm? Thanks!
@rikki_ascani9820 the challenges are not insurmountable, but having experience working on the water is really important. Some kelp farmers come to this industry with experience in related fields, like commercial fishing, or shellfishing -- but not all. There is a steeper learning curve for folks with no marine background. Bear in mind, kelp is a winter crop. While you don't have to work in conditions that you would see on the Deadliest Catch, farming in the winter is cold and conditions can be rough and choppy. There are things you need to know to keep yourself safe, and there are things you need to know in order to operate and maintain your farm and farming equipment. If you have no experience on the water, interning, apprenticing, or taking a position on another farm or deckhanding on a commercial vessel is a good way to get your toes wet and figure out what might be right for you. If you are interested in learning more about vessel safety, consider marine safety trainings offered through AMSEA or similar organizations (there are lots of commercial fishing related safety training opps in Rhode Island, for example, which go beyond the basic vessel safety trainings that recreational operators need in CT, RI, etc.). Enroll in the Farmer Forum training sessions to learn more of the basics and assess the right pathway for you.
@rikki_ascani9820 I also recommend attending Intro to Kelp in January to get a sense of what it takes to start a kelp farm or participate in other industry roles. Hope to see you there!
@rikki_ascani9820 I also recommend attending Intro to Kelp in January to get a sense of what it takes to start a kelp farm or participate in other industry roles. Hope to see you there!
@rikki_ascani9820
I have been a commercial fisherman for close to 40 years and I have a 4 acre kelp farm plus oysters, scallops and sea urchins!
yes… you can do it by starting really small with another job to pay for it while you get up to speed!