US: A lifeline for The Last Frontier; Kodiak’s kelp farms are set to expand

The cold waters around Kodiak Island, on the eastern bend of the Gulf of Alaska, have been a source of sea riches for far-away customers for centuries. However, past overharvesting, climate change and changing markets have led to a decline in fisheries. In response, two pioneering kelp farms have been putting down the foundations for a mariculture industry which they hope will bring back jobs, keep their communities thriving and potentially give back to the fisheries that remain the backbone of the island’s economy. Since 2016, Nick Mangini has been running Kodiak Island Sustainable Seaweed (KISS Kelp) which makes him the most experienced seaweed farmer in the state. As a former salmon fisher and a Kodiak native, he was looking for ways to build new economic drivers on the island. “I see an idle harbour right now. There is a lot of downtime in May between fishing seasons, not just the boats but the workforce as well. Our canneries have an entire month where they don't have ...