Evaluating and Sharing Methods to Efficiently Dry Kelp for Rural Communities

Globally, seaweed and kelp are most commonly sold in the dried form. Supplying dried kelp for this existing demand is the most direct channel for kelp farmers in Alaska to sell their product and expand their farms. Farmers face significant challenges accessing markets; high perishability of kelp, distance to market and high energy and operational costs all contribute. This project seeks to recommend a cost effective method to dry kelp on a small scale in remote coastal communities, communities that are closest to the site of kelp farms. The project will provide publicly available information on methods and equipment to dry kelp efficiently. This information will start to break down the barriers to the growth of the mariculture industry and involvement of rural and Native communities who are faced with high energy costs, limited labor capacity, and opportunity to cultivate kelp. This information will be useful for kelp farmers who are looking to vertically integrate their operations, to communities looking to invest in primary processing, and kelp processors. The analysis will encompass both an investigation of existing efforts in the field and the trialing of new methods and equipment. Containerized systems, mechanical dryers/dewaterers, and thermal dryers with electric heat pumps will be considered in this project.

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