Back to: Introduction to Kelp Hatcheries
The hatchery is a space dedicated to nurturing the early stages of the kelp life cycle. By controlling the light, temperature, and nutrient levels of filtered seawater, you can mimic the perfect environment for growth within your culture tanks. As a hatchery operator, you will be responsible for sourcing wild reproductive kelp, extracting kelp spores, getting the spores to settle on spools of tightly wound string, and tending to the tanks that house your seed until the kelp blades are hardy enough to head out to a nearby ocean farm.
There is no one-size-fits-all setup for a kelp hatchery. It’s important to utilize what you have, and design a system that’s most efficient for your space – which can be anything from a full-scale warehouse, to a converted shipping container, to a few tanks in your garage. The purpose for running your hatchery could vary, too – ranging from supplying your personal kelp farm, running a commercial operation, or conducting research. Often, it’s some combination of the three.
It is important to mention that if you’re approaching this venture with no hatchery or lab experience, don’t worry. At first glance, the process can seem highly scientific and perhaps difficult. While these procedures do stem from many critical years of research in a lab setting – as long as you carefully follow some essential guidance, you can be successful at growing your own kelp seed. Before the seaweed farming industry is able to grow to its full potential, a reliable network of hatcheries must first be established. By taking the initiative to review these courses, we all are one step closer toward that common goal!
