DOCKSIDE INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM
Wanting to support healthier marine ecosystems? – Look towards your backyard!
What is the dockside involvement program?
Rhody Wild’s Dockside Involvement Program supports dock owners in cultivating their own dockside kelp farms – 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 and sequestration technology, absorbs excess nutrients and toxins in the water, and provides habitats for fish and other marine life. Furthermore, kelp is utilized as the material basis for biofuel, plastic alternatives, and cattle feed. The growing and usage of kelp, therefore, addresses major environmental concerns while benefiting growers and their local communities.
How is kelp farmed?
Rhody Wild Sea Gardens support the growth of Sugar Kelp, or Saccharina latissima, a brown marine algae native to Rhode Island waters. The life cycle of sugar kelp starts in October/November when seeds referred to as spools are planted. Sugar kelp grows from a holdfast, a root-like structure that secures the kelp to the sea floor. Our staff helps to attach the sugar kelp’s spools to your dock area. Throughout the winter months, the kelp grows up to nearly 15 feet. The kelp is then harvested in the spring, typically the months of April or May, for either personal consumption or donation.
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.
