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Sugar kelp can tolerate water temperatures from 32-60°F (0-15°C). However, the optimal temperatures for growth are 40-55°F (4-13°C). You’ll want to choose a site that falls within this range during the growing season (November to May). Some farmers report that bull kelp and ribbon kelp can withstand slightly warmer temperatures. Water temperature can be measured with a marine grade thermometer, or sometimes with the chart plotter on a boat.
One important factor to consider with temperature is sea ice. During the winter months, recurrent or excessive sea ice can damage your crop and disrupt your arrays. Long periods of ice cover will also prevent light from reaching your crop. Kelp can survive in the dark for a period of time, but long periods of occlusion will cause it to die. There are workarounds to minimize the damage from periodic flows of sea ice, such as lowering growlines and switching to cylindrical spar buoys. But when siting your farm, try to avoid sites that are known to freeze over every winter.
