DOCKSIDE KELP PROGRAM
Wanting to support healthier marine ecosystems? – Look towards your backyard!
What is the dockside involvement program?
Rhody Wild’s Dockside Kelp Program supports dock owners and private marinas in cultivating sugar kelp – providing an easy and local way to improve marine ecosystems and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Why should I farm kelp?
Kelp is an ecologically vital aspect of creating a healthier planet. Within marine ecosystems, kelp acts as a carbon capture, absorbs excess nutrients in the water, and provides habitats for fish and other marine life. Kelp is utilized as the material basis for biofuel, plastic alternatives, and feed supplements for animal agriculture. The growing and usage of kelp addresses major environmental concerns while benefiting growers and their local communities.
Super star, right? In Rhode Island these benefits are limited simply by available space to grow, with commercial farming involving a lengthy public and state approval process. But, with similar programs for oysters, dockside owners and private marinas who might not be using their dock space in the winter (when kelp grows) can grow their own kelp for their backyard gardens or to feed their livestock!
How is kelp grown at the dock?
Rhody Wild grows sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), a brown marine algae native to Rhode Island waters on our ocean farm in Portsmouth, RI. Kelp is planted from spools onto longlines on the farm and as the cold winter water nourishes the seed, the kelp grows strong and long, with some blades exceeding 8 feet long!
At the dock, our staff can help you mimic the farm by setting simple lines from the dock. Throughout the winter months, the kelp grows up to nearly 15 feet. The kelp is then harvested in April - May, for either personal consumption or donation. We offer different options depending on how much you want to be directly involved!
Our Services
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Full Service
Our staff fully completes the planting process, maintenance, and harvesting process for you. We view this service as an educational opportunity for you to observe and learn about the process of kelp farming and its impact on the environment.
At the end of the harvest, you get the option of keeping the kelp for personal usage or donating the kelp to our organization.
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Partial-Service
Our staff completes the planning process, maintenance, and harvesting process with voluntary assistance by you as the owner.
For this service, we partner with you in the creation of your kelp farm; however, we understand that you may not be available for all phases of the growing process. We implore you to participate in this learning experience as much as possible but you possess limited responsibilities.
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Co-Service
Our staff completes the planning process, maintenance, and harvesting process with voluntary assistance by you as the owner.
For this service, we partner with you in the creation of your kelp farm; however, we understand that you may not be available for all phases of the growing process. We implore you to participate in this learning experience as much as possible but you possess limited responsibilities.
Next Steps
If you are interested in getting involved with our Dockside Involvement Program, please fill out the QR code below. We will get in contact with you regarding next steps after you complete the form.
