Courses / Introduction to Kelp Hatcheries

Course Content

What is a Kelp Hatchery?
Welcome Hatchery Basics
What Do Kelp Hatcheries Look Like?
Take a Tour of Different Kelp Hatcheries
What Is the Kelp Hatchery Timeline?
Short and Sweet
What Are the Permitting Requirements in My State?
Know Your Regulations
What Are Your Hatchery Goals?
Define Your Goals Location Production Goals
How Much Will This Cost?
Ballpark Numbers Create Your Own Budget Pricing Structure and Sales Strategy!
Resources & Tools
Kelp Hatchery Forum
Kelp Nursery Budget Calculator
Download file
Small Kelp Nursery Equipment Price List
Download file
Lesson 3 What Is the Kelp Hatchery Timeline?

Back to: Introduction to Kelp Hatcheries

Short and Sweet

After the initial build-out phase of a new hatchery, the season will follow a predictable annual schedule. Over the summer months, you’ll need to prepare your space, coordinate with divers and farmers, and clean all the materials required for your hatchery season.

The hatchery season only lasts five to eight weeks but can be a full-on endeavor.

Typically, the main portion of the kelp hatchery season is in the fall. It begins with collecting wild reproductive kelp that produces a dark, spore-rich material called sorus tissue. This tends to occur from August to October, depending on your region.

After a whirlwind growing season of approximately six short weeks, you will quickly transition in the winter to outplanting your spools, breaking down and storing equipment, and once again doing lots of cleaning to keep things sterile for next season.

Refer to GreenWave’s startup and seasonal timeline below to get an idea of what to expect each season.

Start Up Activities

Seasonal Activities