Assessing kelp nutrient bioextraction capacity in aquaculture farms in the US with implications for conservation and management

Technical Report · Tue Jul 11 04:00:00 EDT 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/2569183· OSTI ID:2569183

This proposal aimed to assess the carbon and nitrogen bioextraction capabilities of sugar kelp farms across a broad geographic range encompassing both the East and West Coasts of the United States. To meet this objective, the project team first developed a cost-effective sampling toolkit using readily available materials and an illustrated protocol to guide kelp farmers in standardized sample collection. Farmers were trained to use the toolkit and prepare samples for shipment to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where laboratory analyses were conducted to quantify carbon and nitrogen removal. Results were then shared with collaborating farmers, farm managers, regulatory agencies, and the general public to disseminate findings and gauge interest in the bioextraction services offered by kelp aquaculture. The project also investigated temporal and species-specific differences in carbon and nitrogen removal as a complementary objective.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)
• DOE Contract Number: AR0001448
• OSTI ID: 2569183
• Report Number(s): DOE_UAF--AR0001448
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Kelp
aquaculture
carbon credits
nitrogen credits
ocean farming