November 30, 2024
Happy (belated) Thanksgiving from Ketchikan, Alaska! We have some great updates to share with you this month, but first, make sure you're signed up for our emails by clicking here!
Using genetics to save kelp forests and improve our farms?
|
|
|
|
A UC Santa Cruz science diver traversing a kelp forest at the northern end of Carmel Bay. (Photo by Steve Lonhart / NOAA MBNMS)
|
|
Readers of this newsletter will not be surprised to learn that kelp forests are crucial for the health of our oceans, providing, among other things, habitat for various marine species.
However, these vital ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change, overharvesting, and pollution. The loss of kelp forests can have significant ecological consequences, disrupting marine biodiversity and the overall balance of oceanic environments.
Recent research from UC Santa Cruz points to genetic selection as a potential solution to safeguard kelp forests. By focusing on genetic resilience, scientists can identify and breed kelp varieties that are better equipped to withstand environmental pressures. This approach not only aids in the conservation of kelp forests, but also enhances their ability to continue providing essential ecosystem services and ensures their long-term sustainability and health.
This exciting research promises not only to benefit natural kelp beds, but also to enhance the productivity and value of farmed kelp. While selective breeding of kelp is not yet allowed in Alaska, we are hopeful that research like this will pave the way for more productive, resilient, and profitable kelp farms in the near future.
|
|
Representatives from Fujcco in Japan examining Alaskan kelp products
This month we were proud to participate in a knowledge and kelp exchange coordinated through NOAA with members of the Japanese seaweed industry. Through representatives from the Alaska Fisheries Science Center at NOAA, we shared samples of our Alaskan Giant Kelp with the team at Fujicco - a leading seaweed company in Japan.
Our involvement in this exchange emphasizes the critical role that global knowledge sharing plays in advancing seaweed farming and market development. While there is much to learn from the Japanese seaweed industry, Alaska's rich natural resources and expansive coastline position the 49th state for significant market growth in the near future.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and click here to make sure you're signed up our year-end recap next month!
Best,
Pacific Kelp Co. Team
|
|
|
|
