Mariculture research of Macrocystis pyrifera and Saccharina latissima in Southeast Alaska

Abstract

There has been increasing interest in Alaska regarding the commercial mariculture of kelp. Kelp farming can be an economic engine for coastal communities of Alaska. Other benefits include ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and mitigation of eutrophication. In support of this interest, several kelp species have been examined for commercial potential. In the 1980s–1990s, experiments were performed on the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera. Female gametophytes were exposed to varying levels of chelated iron. Relatively low levels of chelated iron (1–5 μM) stimulated the onset of oogenesis. In contrast, higher iron concentrations inhibited egg production. Outplant experiments with Macrocystis in Sitka, AK showed growth in the winter and spring, slowing down to zero growth by the end of summer. Fertilizing outplants in August allowed plants to survive and grow during the ensuing winter. Mariculture experiments with Saccharina latissima carried out near Juneau, Alaska showed exponential growth for seeded lines set out from September to March. Optimal growth occurred for outplants in October–November, with growth rates of up to 5% per day. The best growth occurred when lines were 2–3 m below the surface. Growth rates declined in May–June corresponding to a decrease in inorganic nitrogen in the water. Slower growth also resulted in severe fouling.