Water clarity is important because it helps the light of the sun penetrate to the depth of your crop and supply the blades with the energy they need to grow. Your kelp may not grow well if the water is quite murky or mixed with sediment. Ideally, we recommend that you can see down at least 1-2 meters below the surface. 

Water clarity can be measured with a low-tech secchi disk—a black and white disk with a string attached. Lower the disk into the water, and record the length of string when the color pattern is no longer visible to the naked eye. This gives you a reading for the depth of water clarity at your site.

Keep in mind that water clarity may change during different times of year, after storm events, and due to runoff.