Securing Alaska's Seaweed Future: $200K Grant Launches Kelp Biobank
AkGlobe News/10318660

JUNEAU, Alaska - AkGlobe -- Kelp Ark, in partnership with researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and Alaskan kelp farmer Nick Mangini, has received $200,000 from the Alaska Mariculture Cluster to help ensure the future of kelp farming in Alaska. This funding will support the creation of a long-term kelp biobank, providing farmers with reliable, high-quality seedstocks they can count on.

Kelp aquaculture is on the rise, offering economic opportunities and environmental benefits, from nutrient cycling to local food production. But for many Alaskan farmers, securing strong, consistent seedstock remains a major hurdle. Regulations require them to collect wild kelp reproductive material every year, a costly and time-consuming process.

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A Game-Changer for Kelp Farmers
Through this initiative, Kelp Ark will work with local farmers to develop a collection of more than 600 genetically diverse strains of the targeted species: sugar kelp, ribbon kelp, and bull kelp. These seedstocks will be stored as gametophytes, a microscopic life stage of kelp that can be grown and re-seeded as needed, possibly eliminating the need for repeated wild collection. Farmers using these high-quality, genetically diverse stocks could see production improvements of up to 30%.

Collaborating with Local Farmers
The project will begin with field collections in key Alaskan aquaculture regions, including Prince William Sound, Kachemak Bay, Southeast Alaska, and Kodiak. Local farmer Nick Mangini will lead collectiona, working alongside Dr. Michael Stekoll, UAF Emeritus Professor and kelp ecology expert. The team will identify the best collection sites, secure necessary permits, and cultivate seedstocks tailored to Alaska's farming needs.

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To strengthen the effort, Kelp Ark will also establish a branch in Alaska and a mirrored collection at its San Pedro, CA facility. Working with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Gene Conservation Lab, the team will analyze population structures and explore ways to improve regulations to make seed sourcing more efficient for farmers.

About Kelp Ark
Kelp Ark, founded in 2022, is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving, protecting, and restoring the genetic diversity of seaweed and their microbial communities which face multiple existential threats from the environment and impact of human activity. Based in San Pedro, CA, the organization safeguards seaweed seedstocks and seaweed associated microbes to advance conservation, research, and industry growth.

Kelp Ark encourages ocean conservation and aquaculture advocates to support ongoing efforts and learn more through their website: Home - Kelp Ark (https://kelpark.org/)