Kelp

Sustainable · Farm Raised · SUPERFOOD  

We farm kelp alongside our mussels. Similar to the concept of “permaculture” on land, strategically growing different species together on our farm sites can have added benefits for each. Growing mussels and kelp side by side enables these crops to thrive and also benefits the marine environment around the farm.

Kelp is a type of seaweed, one of many sea vegetables that are now being recognized as a superfood. Seaweed has been eaten in other parts of the world for centuries, though in the U.S. it is just beginning to gain popularity. Kelp is rich in vitamins, minerals, and boasts a unique flavor profile. Farming kelp not only yields a nutritious sea vegetable for us, but also benefits the marine ecosystem. Seaweeds capture excess nutrients in seawater, which if left unregulated can lead to issues with water quality. Absorbing these nutrients, seaweed promote a stable ocean environment.

We grow four different types of kelp, all native to Maine, specifically chosen for health, flavor, and ecosystem benefits. When temperatures begin to drop in the fall, we ‘seed’ kelp across our farm sites, the aquaculture equivalent of planting our crops. Spools of tiny kelp seed attached to thin line are unraveled onto thicker growing lines that stretch across our farm sites. Kelp grows quickly in Maine’s clean winter waters, with frequent maintenance visits through the season by our crew. Warming waters in late spring signal harvest season, and once collected from the sea our kelp then goes to a local Maine company for processing into delicious seaweed food products. You can find our kelp in Atlantic Sea Farms’ products.