Reliable access to high-quality kelp seed remains an important challenge for Alaska’s growing mariculture industry. Traditional kelp seeding methods require several weeks of hatchery cultivation before seedlings can be transferred to ocean farms. Alternative methods, including direct seeding using gametophyte cultures, offer the potential to reduce hatchery costs, improve seed availability, and streamline farm operations. However, these techniques remain relatively untested in Alaska.

As part of the AMC-funded Kelp Seed Quality Improvement Program, the Chugach Regional Resources Commission (CRRC), through its Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute, completed a research project evaluating alternative kelp seeding techniques. The project compared traditional twine-based seeding with direct seeding methods at two sites in Kachemak Bay, testing differences in growth, yield, and seed retention. While traditional twine seeding produced higher overall yields, direct seeding successfully cultivated sugar kelp, achieving yields of up to 5.55 kilograms per meter of line. Researchers also found that using a binding agent improved seed retention, while different rope types had little effect on overall performance.

The findings represent an important step toward making direct seeding a commercially viable option for Alaska’s kelp farmers. The project also supported continued development of CRRC’s gametophyte hatchery program, which received approval from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in April 2026 to use propagated, multi-year gametophyte cultures for commercial seed production. These advances help lay the groundwork for more efficient and reliable kelp seed production in Alaska.

About the Alaska Mariculture Cluster

In September 2022, Southeast Conference was awarded a $49 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to stimulate private investment and grow Alaska’s mariculture industry to $100 million in sales in 10 years.  The Alaska Mariculture Cluster grant involves a large coalition of state agencies, Tribes, non-profits, and others working together over a five year period ending May 2027.