Courses / Map Your Resources

Course Content

Take Stock
Introduction Physical Resources
Skills and Connections Access to Seed Access to Markets Access to Capital SWOT Analysis
Buy a Boat
Introduction What Type of Boat Do I Need? Boat Adaptations for Ocean Farming Other Considerations
Resources & Tools
Ocean Farm SWOT Analysis
Download file
Kelp Seed Sourcing: US Hatchery Directory (2022)
Download file
The Ocean Farm Design Tool
Lesson 1 Take Stock

Back to: Map Your Resources

Skills and Connections

When you’re mapping your resources, don’t forget to consider the human resources of your team. Even if you’re starting your farm alone, identify what skills and experience you bring to the operation.

Whatever your background, there will be areas of ocean farming and running a small business where your skills will be a real asset and areas where you’ll need to learn new skills or hire other people to help you.

You’ll also want to think about what connections you have in your community or region. In some places where there isn’t an established ocean farming industry, new farmers can face pushback during the permitting process. The better connected you are to different community stakeholders, the easier it will be for you to tell your story and communicate the benefits of your farm.

Ask Yourself

  • Are you familiar with the basics of marketing and sales?

  • Are you great at boat mechanics?

  • Does fundraising come easily to you?

These connections are important to note, because they can help give your business a leg up, either at the permitting stage or when you’re looking for first-time buyers. 

Ask Yourself

  • Do you know other ocean farmers in your area?

  • Do you have a connection with a potential buyer, or are you friendly with chefs in your area?

  • Do you already have a slip at the local harbor or marina?

Farmer Innovations

When gathering all of the information you need to start the process of building your kelp farm, you may run into some bumps. Connecting to other farmers will help you brainstorm and even find solutions. Watch this video, to see how other farmers are innovating to solve industry challenges.

WATCH VIDEO