Back to: Wrapping Up the Season

Once you’ve hit the 4.5- to 5.5-weeks-post-seeding mark in the hatchery and your seed is showing signs of good growth, it’s time to start narrowing down on the optimal outplant windows for your farmers. Water and air temperatures, as well as weather conditions, are important factors when outplanting seed onto the farm. Waters should not be too warm, or else other organisms have the opportunity to foul the grow lines and smother the delicate seedlings. But, the water also shouldn’t be so cold that you miss the high nutrient level in the fall that fuels the kelp through the winter months. Generally speaking, a water temperature range of 45-50°F is acceptable for outplanting. The higher end of that range can correlate with higher nutrient availability and should be the target when possible. 

Regarding air temperature, farmers should avoid outplanting when the windchill is below freezing, because the cold air can stunt and possibly kill the kelp. Ideally the air temperature will be above 40°F but should be at least above 32°F, including windchill. 

In terms of weather, an ideal day would be slightly overcast with minimal bouts of direct sunlight. Some rain is okay, but heavy rains can affect surface salinity and stunt the growth of the kelp. Calm weather with winds below 10 knots is best, since higher winds make it much more difficult for farmers to maneuver the boat, which in turn can damage the seed. 

With so many factors to consider, it is a good idea to have a few different dates planned to ship or deliver spools in case the weather turns foul.