Don’t fret Alaska, kelp is on its way

Kachemak Kelp Hub is also working hard to connect to markets and develop new kelp products.

“We currently offer everything from whole leaves to milled kelp. We’re selling some through local outlets, but most is sold to other businesses that are using kelp as an ingredient. The applications are limitless – from food, nutraceuticals and cosmetics to fertiliser alternatives,” says Witten.

And there are numerous challenges in marketing to still overcome.

“It’s a matter of creating or finding demand. To sell to other companies that use kelp in their products, we’ve got to know how they want it stabilised post-harvest so we can develop smart processing systems. For example, do they want dried or frozen kelp for food products, or do they want it stabilized with heat or acid to make a plant biostimulant? “

Witten’s team has come up with a cool line of condiments and kelp seasonings for food preparation.

“We’re working with local chefs to incorporate some of our salted kelp in their menus, a big hit. We’re also experimenting with developing soil amendments and plant biostimulants for the garden and agriculture sectors. We’re always trying to connect with existing markets while stimulating local interest in new products and novel uses for kelp,” she observes.

Witten hopes to expand their capacity and knowhow for kelp processing while garnering traction for their growing number of products.

“Kelp farms could provide great jobs and are a really fitting new industry for coastal Alaska – especially if we want to address climate change by growing regenerative crops that have many uses,” she reflects.

The research that groups like Kachemak Kelp Hub is spearheading might help to secure the future of Alaska’s fledgling seaweed farms. We sure hope they grow as fast as kelp does.

*This article is part of a project commissioned by the SEC to highlight the region’s mariculture sector. To learn more about the sector visit https://alaska.seaweedinsights…