Building capacity for gametophyte generation and direct seeding techniques for the commercial kelp species Saccharina latissima (Sugar kelp) in Alaska

The hatchery stage is crucial for the success of cultivated kelp, where juvenile kelp are reared under artificial conditions, significantly impacting their health and production in the ocean. Traditionally, kelp hatcheries use meiospores that attach to seed-lines and cycle through a sexual gametophyte stage to produce harvestable sporophytes. Although viable, this technique has limitations, including inconsistent sporophyte densities, a lack of genetic transparency, and potentially reduced growth performance compared to gametophyte seeding. Gametophyte seeding offers greater control over these variables and has been under considerable investigation, with increasing implementation in Europe and the Eastern United States. This project aims to establish protocols to maximize propagation efficiency for the native kelp species Saccharina latissima (Sugar kelp) using state-of-the-art photo-bioreactors designed for gametophyte propagation. The Southeast Conference has committed funding for procurement of Industrial PlanktonTM bioreactors for the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute, however, additional funding is required to operate the equipment and test culturing protocols for optimization. Optimization will increase the production capability of this system and decrease the cost per unit of outplanted line. Additionally, direct seeding methods will be tested to determine best practices for implementing this hatchery method for ocean cultivation. The project will see collaboration with Scott Lindell at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, including inter-lab travel and training in gametophyte hatchery techniques. The project’s success will result in an outline of best practices for a commercial-scale Sugar kelp gametophyte hatchery and the establishment of large-scale photo-bioreactor capabilities in Alaska, opening potential for future research involving genetic selection and year-round seeding.

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