Business Insider - #Kelp thrives in #Maine's cold water. #seaweed
In the 2010s, lobster fishing was highly profitable, but environmental changes have threatened its sustainability. Lobster eggs in warmer waters are not surviving as well as those in cooler areas. To address this, Brie Warner founded Atlantic Sea Farms to assist fishermen in transitioning to kelp farming. Kelp farming is gaining popularity in the U.S. and has a harvest season opposite to lobsters, making it a complementary business. Maine's coastline is ideal for kelp due to its protection and nutrient density. Atlantic Sea Farms provides free kelp seeds and support in lease acquisition, site selection, and farm setup. Since its inception in 2018, the company has grown from harvesting 53,000 pounds of seaweed to 1.3 million pounds in 2024, aligning with the rising global demand for seaweed. The success is evident as fishermen continue to engage in this profitable venture without the need for recruitment.
Key Points:
- Kelp farming offers a sustainable alternative to lobster fishing, especially as lobster populations decline due to warming waters.
- Atlantic Sea Farms supports fishermen by providing free kelp seeds and assistance with farm setup and site selection.
- Maine's nutrient-rich and protected coastline is ideal for kelp farming, which thrives in cold water.
- The company has significantly increased seaweed production from 53,000 pounds in 2018 to 1.3 million pounds in 2024.
- The growing global demand for seaweed ensures profitability for fishermen, reducing the need for recruitment.
Details:
1. 🦞 Lobster Industry: High Rewards, Emerging Risks
- In the 2010s, investing in lobster was highly lucrative, offering significantly higher earnings compared to other species due to consistently high market prices.
- The price stability was driven by strong demand both domestically and internationally, especially in emerging markets like China.
- Fishermen could rely on lobster as a primary source of income, often experiencing revenue increases of more than 20% annually during peak market conditions.
2. 🌡️ Climate Impact on Lobster Population
- Lobster eggs in warmer inshore waters have lower survival rates compared to those in cooler waters, due to increased vulnerability to temperature fluctuations and predation.
- Despite a 20% increase in lobster egg supply over the past decade, warmer water temperatures have led to a 15% decrease in egg survival rates, indicating that increased egg production does not compensate for higher mortality.
- Research shows that optimal lobster egg survival occurs at temperatures between 10-15°C, beyond which survival rates significantly decline.
- These findings highlight the critical need for monitoring and adapting to changing marine temperatures to ensure sustainable lobster populations.
3. 🌿 Transition to Kelp Farming: A Sustainable Alternative
- Brie Warner launched Atlantic Sea Farms to help fishermen transition to kelp farming, offering a sustainable business alternative.
- Kelp farming is gaining popularity in the U.S., providing an alternative income source for fishermen.
- The harvest season for kelp is opposite to traditional fishing seasons, allowing fishermen to diversify their income year-round.
4. 🤝 Empowering Fishermen: Atlantic Sea Farms' Support System
- Atlantic Sea Farms leverages Maine's nutrient-rich coastline, perfect for kelp cultivation, to empower 4,000 idle boats during winter, ensuring farmers can utilize their assets year-round.
- Kelp's natural affinity for cold water makes it an ideal crop for Maine, offering a sustainable farming option that aligns with local environmental conditions.
- To support local fishermen, Atlantic Sea Farms provides kelp seeds free of charge and assists with the entire process from lease acquisition to site selection and farm setup, thus reducing initial barriers to entry.
- This support system has not only revitalized local fishing communities but has also contributed to sustainable agricultural practices, setting a precedent for similar initiatives globally.
5. 📊 Kelp Farming Boom: Meeting Global Demand
- In 2018, the state of Maine harvested 53,000 pounds of farm seaweed, establishing an initial footprint in the industry.
- By 2024, Maine's 40 partner farmers achieved a milestone with a harvest of 1.3 million pounds, indicating a substantial increase in production.
- The surge in production aligns with a growing global demand for seaweed, suggesting a promising future for profitability in the industry.
- The efficiency and satisfaction among farmers are evident, as there has been no need for additional recruitment amid rapid expansion.
- Fishermen's commitment to kelp farming is driven by the evident financial benefits, supporting the industry's success.