What is the dockside kelp 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 farm kelp?
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!
Kelp is ecologically vital, creating a healthier planet by growing in our Rhode Island waters. Kelp captures carbon, absorbs excess nutrients in the water, and provides habitat for fish & other marine life. Kelp is utilized as the material basis for biofuel, plastic alternatives, and a soil enhancer, and animal feed supplement. Growing and using kelp not only benefits the ocean, but offers local ocean communities jobs and learning moments.
Super star, right? In Rhode Island, these benefits are limited simply by the available space to grow kelp, 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?
At the dock, we can help you mimic the farm by setting simple lines from the dock. Throughout the winter months, the kelp grows up to nearly 8 feet. The kelp is then harvested in April - May, for either personal use in backyard gardens or for donation to various local environmental and school groups we work with. We offer different options depending on how much or little you want to be directly involved!
We have a demonstration dockside farm if you are curious to see how it works! Our dockside farm allows easy, safe access by school groups and community organizations.
